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^ POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY 

' I72I-I77I 



Edited by . 



Emily F.<^>^Df Osborn 
1 ' 



WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS 



NEW YORK 

DODD MEAD & COMPANY 

I 89 I 






I 



Of CONGR^^I 
WAtHINQTOKM 



The Rights of Translation and of Reproduction are Reserved. 



CONTENTS. 



FAGS 

Introduction— Family History, 7 

Letters I. to XX.— 1721-1734, i7 

Society at Bristol— Bath— London -Family Affairs— 
Inoculation— Court at St. James's— Visit to Kimbolton— 
Description of Houghton, Drayton — Country Life at 
Southill. 

Letters XXI. TO XLVII.—1736-1751, 55 

London— County Elections— Chicksands— Sir Danvers 
Osborn's Marriage with Lady Mary Montagu— Wedding 
Preparations— Reports of the Pretender's Invasion— Par- 
liamentary News— Dining at Court— RebeUion of 1745— 
Panic in London— Account of a Duel. 

Admiral Byng— 1757, ^^- 

Condemnation — Letter to him from Voltaire — From 
Marshal Richlieu — Letters from Mrs. Osborn to the 
Duke of Bedford— Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty 
—Admiral Byng's last Letter to his Sister, Mrs. Osborn 
—His Justification— Monument to his Memory at Southill. 

Letters XLVIII. TO XCIII.—1766-1773, .... 126 

Mr. Pitt— Lord Halifax— Parliamentary Details— Crea- 
tion of Lord Chatham— Lord Tavistock's Death— Elections 
—General Depression— "Spendthrift Election" at North- 
ampton—Duke of York's Death— Conclusion. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



-0- 



PAGE 

'zece 



(i) "HoNBLE Mrs. Osborn," Frontispit 

(2) Chicksands Priory, 1730, 7 

(3) Admiral Byng, ... .... 112 

(4) Chicksands Priory, 1890, 185 




o 

00 



^ ^.\. 



INTRODUCTION. 



So many records of the eighteenth century have been 
handed down to us, and are still issuing from the press, 
in one form or another, that I feel great diffidence in 
bringing the present collection of letters before the 
public. But perhaps, as the production of a lady of 
conspicuous ability and "vigour of mind," as she has 
been described by one of her descendants, and embrac- 
ing an important period of history and politics, they 
may be found worthy of perusal, and may throw some 
additional light upon the manners and customs of 
that day. 

Also, Mrs. Osborn's relationship to the unfortunate 
Admiral Byng necessarily involves the introduction of 
that sad event in her life ; and though his story is a 
familiar one to all readers of history, it never grows 
stale by repetition, and an additional interest will be 
given to the subject by the insertion of some letters 
connected with it, which have never before been 
published. 

Mrs. Osborn, who was by marriage a great -niece 
of the now well-known Dorothy Osborne, was a woman 
of unusual capacity and energy, and the exceptional 
circumstances of her life were calculated to develop 
her powers to the uttermost. 

She was left a widow at the eariy age of twenty-four. 



o INTRODUCTION. 

and had to undertake the management of affairs in the 
first instance for her son, then for her grandson, and 
this she did so effectually that another descendant of 
hers alludes to her as "one of whom every Byng is 
proud." 

It is necessary, first of all, to give some account of 
Mrs. Osborn's family history. 

Sarah Byng was the only surviving daughter of 
Admiral Sir George Byng, who in 172 1 was created 
Viscount Torrington in recognition of his valuable 
services as a naval officer of great distinction. Her 
mother was Margaret, daughter of Mr. Master, of East 
Langdon, in Kent, She must have been an extremely 
pretty woman, to judge by the picture of her which is 
at Chicksands Priory. Sarah always mentions her with 
great affection, and after Lord Torrington's death in 
1733 they lived much together till she died in 1756 
at the age of eighty-seven. 

Lord and Lady Torrington had a family of fifteen 
children, but of this number only six lived beyond 
infancy, of whom Sarah was the eldest. 

She was born in October 1693, at Southill, Beds, 
just after her father had bought that property, which 
remained in his family for about a hundred years. 
Before this the Byngs had lived at Wrotham, in Kent, 
for many generations. 

Lord Torrington's five sons were — 

Pattee, born 1699, served in the navy under his 
father, and married, 1724, Lady Charlotte Montagu, 
daughter of Charles, Duke of Manchester. Pattee suc- 
ceeded as second Viscount, and died in 1746, leaving 
no children. 

George, third Viscount, was in the army, married 
Miss Daniell, and died in 1750, leaving two sons. 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

Robert, the third brother, was the one to whom all 
Sarah's earlier letters were addressed, and was evidently 
the adviser of his sister during her son's minority. He 
married Miss Forward, was appointed Governor of 
Barbadoes, and died there in 1740. The present Earls 
of Strafford are descended from one of his three sons. 

John, the Admiral, alluded to as "Jack" in the 
following letters, was the fourth son. He was unmarried 
at the time of his death. 

Edward ("Ned") was also in the army, married, 1730, 
Miss Bramston, of Chigwell, Essex, and died in 1756. 

To return to Sarah. 

She was not quite seventeen years old when she 
married, in August 17 10, Mr. John Osborn, eldest son 
of Sir John Osborn, second Baronet of Chicksands 
Priory. A distance of only three miles or so separated 
the two houses. 

Mr. Osborn's mother, Miss Elizabeth Strode, had died 
at his birth, and Sir John had married secondly Miss 
Martha Kelynge, and numerous younger children were 
growing up and filling the old Priory to overflowing. 

Perhaps this may account for a very stormy corre- 
spondence which passed between Sir John Osborn and 
Sir George Byng about this period, as to which of the 
two fathers ought to offer a home to the young married 
couple. 

I must confess that Sir John Osborn was decidedly the 
aggressor, and, in his eagerness to throw the responsi- 
bility on his neighbour, took little pains to moderate his 
indignation, and reproached Sir George with meanness 
in making a demand for ;^ioo yearly, in payment of 
board and lodging for his daughter and her husband. 
Sir George, whose replies were of a much more temperate 
description, concluded by saying that if any more letters 



lO INTRODUCTION. 

were to pass between them, he hoped they should treat 
each other Hke gentlemen. 

They evidently settled their differences amicably 
before long, for they were writing to each other most 
affectionately a few months later, and Sir George was 
exerting all his influence to give a start in life to 
Sir John's younger sons. Unfortunately this dispute 
between the heads of the two families is the only docu- 
ment remaining connected with Sarah's short married 
life, although we gather that she and her husband lived 
chiefly with her parents. 

In the month of January 17 19, Mr. John Osborn died 
of consumption at Hawnes Grange, near Chicksands, in 
the thirty-sixth year of his age, leaving her, at twenty- 
four years old, with two boys — Danvers, born in 
November 17 15, and John, born in 1718. There had 
been three other children, who had all died in infancy, 
and were buried in Campton Church, Beds. 

The youngest boy, John, died six months after his 
father, of measles. 

Mr. John Osborn's affairs were in a very unsatisfactory 
state at the time of his death, and his widow bound 
herself down to pay off the greater part of his debts, for 
her father-in-law was then an old man, and incapable of 
transacting business. 

Sir John Osborn died early in the year 1720, and Mrs. 
Osborn then became guardian to her little boy, Sir 
Danvers, the estates being put into Chancery. 

During the sixteen years before her son attained his 
majority, she took the entire management of the 
property into her own hands, mastered every necessary 
business detail, and, with the assistance and advice of 
her father and of her brother Robert, so successfully 
wielded the reins of government that she was able to 



INTRODUCTION. 1 1 

surrender her trust to her son in a greatly improved 
condition. 

Mrs. Osborn's home throughout this period was 
principally in London, in her house in Conduit Street ; 
but she often paid visits to various friends, and she and 
Sir Danvers were always welcome guests at Southill. 
Now and then they stayed at Chicksands for a time ; 
but after Lord Torrington's death, she herself lived more 
in London. 

The next event in Mrs. Osborn's life was the marriage 
of her son, in September 1740, with Lady Mary Mon- 
tagu, fourth daughter of George Dunk, second Earl of 
Halifax. 

To his mother Sir Danvers entrusted the task of 
drawing up an estimate of the future probable expenses 
of his household, and this she carried out conscientiously, 
according to her own words, " on a basis of great 
economy and excellent management." The wages 
allowed for servants in those days contrast strangely 
with those of the present day : the butler had ;^25, 
footman, ^14, and lady's maid, ^10; but one must 
take into consideration the far greater relative value of 
money 150 years ago. 

After barely three years of married life. Lady Mary 
Osborn died at the age of thirty, at the birth of her 
second son, John. The eldest son, George, was born in 
1742. 

Sir Danvers never seems to have recovered his spirits 
after his wife's death. For some years he led a restless 
and wandering life, spent some of his time at Horton, in 
Northamptonshire, with his brother-in-law (the third and 
last Lord Halifax), and was elected member for the 
county of Bedford in 1742. In 1745, during the re- 
bellion of the Young Pretender, he raised a troop of 



1 2 INTRODUCTION. 

men, and led them in person to support King George. 
In 1750 he went to Nova Scotia for six months on a 
visit to the Governor, Lord Cornwallis, and three years 
later was appointed Governor of New York, in succession 
to Lancy, and sailed from Portsmouth on the 22nd 
of August to assume his new office. His little boys, 
meanwhile, were left under the care of their grand- 
mother. 

Sir Danvers arrived at New York on October 6th, and 
died there six days later, but the cause of his untimely 
death I have never been able to discover. 

Once more did Sarah find herself in a responsible 
position, and once more did she courageously rouse 
herself to undertake the fresh and unexpected duty 
which fell to her lot. She was now sixty years of age, 
and might reasonably have looked forward to repose and 
peace for the remainder of her days. But her labours 
were not yet ended. 

For the space of another ten years she had to devote 
herself to the care and education of her young grand- 
sons, and to the management of business during Sir 
George's minority ; and this time she had an efficient 
coadjutor in the boys' uncle and guardian, Lord Halifax, 
who, later on, exerted all his influence to start them in 
their respective professions. 

But long before her charges were of an age to be out 
in the world, the culminating misfortune of Admiral 
Byng's trial and execution took place, some account of 
which is given elsewhere in this volume. At the time 
that this calamitous event occurred, Sarah and her ill- 
fated brother were the only two remaining members of 
her family. Her brothers Pattee, George, and Robert 
had all died some years ago. Lady Torrington died in 
1756 ; and the youngest son, Edward, died towards the 



INTRODUCTION. 1 3 

end of the same year, from grief at seeing his brother 
John brought prisoner to Portsmouth. 

Consequently, Mrs. Osborn, as his only near relation, 
took a prominent part in pleading for a commutation 
of his sentence, and, though her efforts were vain, she 
must have derived some comfort from his dying testi- 
mony that she had done all that was possible on his 
behalf 

There are none of Mrs. Osborn's letters in existence 
between the years 175 1 and 1766. After this date they 
were, with few exceptions, addressed to her youngest 
grandson. 

After leaving Westminster School, both boys went to 
Oxford, but at the age of seventeen George received a 
commission in the army, and was soon after appointed 
aide-de-camp to his uncle, Lord Halifax, then Lord 
Lieutenant of Ireland. 

John entered the diplomatic service, held a post under 
Lord Halifax when Secretary of State, was afterwards 
sent to various foreign Embassies, and finally became 
Minister at Dresden in 177 1. He died at Rudolstadt, 
in Saxony, in 18 14, "on the eve of returning to England 
after eight years' detention in the territorys of Bona- 
parte " — as is recorded on his monument. 

Mrs. Osborn's letters were addressed to him to differ- 
ent places on the Continent, though he frequently paid 
visits to England ; and while his brother was with his 
regiment in America during the War of Independence, 
John lived at Chicksands, and superintended his 
brother's estate. 

Mrs. Osborn lived to the age of eighty-two, and, before 
she died, had the satisfaction of welcoming the birth of 
a great-grandson, afterwards Sir John Osborn. 

In conclusion, I beg to offer grateful thanks to the 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

Duke of Bedford and to Lord Strafford, for the help 
they have afforded me, and for the loan of documents 
and letters. The original of twenty-one of the latter are 
at Wrotham. The remainder are in the possession of 
my father, Sir George Osborn. 

I have every now and then omitted portions relating 
only to family affairs, and paragraphs that repeat them- 
selves, and have endeavoured as much as possible to 
retain that which I hope may be of interest to the 
general public. 

The original spelling has been adhered to throughout, 
and I do not anticipate any difficulty in deciphering it. 

Emily F. D. Osborn. 

Chicksands Vkioky, June 1890. 



I 7 I 9- 



[The first document, according to date, in Mrs. Os- 
born's handwriting, is the following statement of her 
affairs at the time of her husband's death, including also 
a copy of his will. The Mr. Peter Osborn referred to is 
the half-brother of her late husband.] 

By an order drawn up by Mr. Townsend . . 
is to pay to Mr. Peter Osborn ^400 a year for 
keeping Sir John Osborn in Cloaths, house, ser- 
vants, horses, and in short, everything (his sick- 
ness excepted) that shall be wanted at Chick- 
sands, and he gives him direction to pay me four- 
score pound a year for keeping my children, their 
being no provision for them till theire grandfather 
dies . . . the Gardens we have lett to a man for 
^30 a year, and he is to find everything without 
more expence to us. 

Mr. Osborn has debts of all kinds out against 
him, executions and all sorts of bonds and ingage- 
ments, but Mr. Townsend is off opinion that 
as he was not possessed of anything when he 
dyed, that neither his Father nor Heires can be 
oblidged to pay anything, but his Creditors seem 
to have other hopes . . . 



1 6 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

I have took an Inventory of all his goods, and 
lockt them up at Chicksands for nobody as yet 
has attempted to seize them. His horses I could 
not keep, so by Mr. Townsend's advice, I gave 
notice to the Under Shreive (who had three 
executions lodgd against him) that Sir John had 
let all his grounds round here, and the Horses 
would go stray, so upon that he sent for them, 
the Landlord of his Chambers in the Temple has 
seized there, but I first had an inventory of all 
there, for that will be required of me to do, for if 
they ever do give us trouble, as to be sure they 
will (for everybody will not lose contentedly) I 
shall be brought to a strict oath for everything 
that did belong to him. I have myself engaged 
at several times for about ;^500. Law cannot 
oblidge me to pay it, but as most of it is to 
Relations and ffriends, I think myself oblidged 
to pay it as soon as posible, I have engaged my 
honour and that was all they could tye me by, 
therefore I shall save every penny I can to pay it 
as soon as posible, but fear I shall not compass it 
under two year, for all of it is at present upon 
Intrest, which I have hithertoo exactly paid . . . 

When I found Mr. Osborn ill, by Mr. Town- 
shend's advice I had a Will drawn by him, which 
I hoped to prevail with him to signe, but could 
not, however he gave Noris the same will which 
I had given him, write out in his own hand, but 
neither signed nor dated, nor the names writ 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 7 

plain, and bid him give it me after he was dead, 
and tell me it was his Will . . . it is as ffollows — 
" This is the last Will and Testament of me, John 
Osborn of Chicksands in the County of Bedford. 
I give unto my loving Wife Mrs. Sarah Osborn 
all my Jewels, plate, and Watches, and all other 
ornaments she has usaly worn and the sum of 
one hundred pounds for mourning, all the rest 
and residue of my personal Estate of what nature 
or kind soever I give and devise to my said Wife 
and unto her father the Honble. G. Byng, Kt. 
and Baronet upon trust, out of the same to raise 
and pay all such sums of money as I shall jastly 
owe unto any person or persons whatsoever . . . 
And pay the sum of five thousand pounds unto 
my youngest son John ... I give and devise 
the residue and remainder of my said goods and 
chatties and personal Estate unto my eldest son 
Danvers, his Executors and Administrators, in 
witness whereof I the said John Osborn have to 
this my last Will and Testament set my hand 
and seal this day of September, Anno Domini 
one thousand seven hundred and eighteen." 

Letter i. 

[The originals of the first seventeen letters, also Nos. 
19, 20, 22, and 23, are in Lord Strafford's collection at 
Wrotham, and were kindly lent by him to me to copy. 
Letters 18 and 21 are among those at Chicksands 
Priory. 



1 8 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

The Strafford letters are all addressed to the Hon. 
Robert Byng, Sarah's third brother, then Paymaster of 
the Navy. The first is dated little more than two years 
after her husband's death, and about eighteen months 
after that of Sir John Osborn. Sir Danvers was at this 
time not six years old. Sarah is evidently passing a 
few weeks at Bristol and Bath with her eldest brother, 
Pattee Byng, and entering into the amusements going 
on at both places.] 

Bristol, /?/«^ 24, 1721. 

I must beg the favour of my dear Brother 
Robin to put these Letters into the post for me. 
I am very troublesome to you but hope you 
excuse it, your last Letter gave me great satis- 
faction to hear about my affairs, for I am so far 
from them that I am almost out of patience, not 
to be better satisfyed. I have writ to Sly to pay 
you some Rent. I believe it will be about 
£t^6 . . . We have been to see Mr. Southwell's 
house which is within 5 mile of this place. Van- 
burg was the Architeck and a clumsy lump of 
building it is, it cost fifteen or twenty thousand 
pound without Gardens, and there is no good 
room In It. Little doors, windows and starecase, 
a prodigious large house, but all the room taken 
up in thick walls, and clumsy pillars. The pro- 
spect is to the Severn which is very pleasent with 
the adition of the Ships that are ancord there, the 
Gardens are nothing neither do I believe they 
can make any, it is such a stony soile that nothing 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 9 

can grow, and rocks all about. Ratclif Church 
we have also seen, which I believe is the finest in 
England, it is in this City and should be a patron 
for all that are built, it was founded by a priest in 
Edwd- the 3ds time but newly adorned in Queen 
Anns, which I cannot but say is extream fine, but 
I am not fond of Churches in that manner. The 
Altar is adorned with painting Guilding and Carv- 
ing that it comes so near a popish Church that 
my Brother said he could not but fancy himself 
abroad. Besides these Churches they have several 
fine buildings as Marchants Hall, the Custome 
House, which we have not seen yett. 

Thursday we had a Ball, the gentlemen Bor- 
rowd the Long Room at the Custome House, nine 
cuple, and as the gentlemen Baloted for their 
partners they did not all suit well, but as follows : 

Mr. Byng. 

Lady Tereasa frogmorton, Duke Powis daughter. 

Mr. Paulet 

Mrs. Bloomer a parson's wife, young, pretty and 
silly. 

Sir Rob' frogmorton 
Mrs. Player 

Major Dean 

Ldy Jenkingson, a very agreable lady, y^ Bro : 
says like Dutches Termoti 

Captain Rowley 

Mrs. ffleming, a very agreable lady. 



20 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Mr. Jennings 
Mrs. Jenkingsson 

Lieut, of Capt. Rowley's ship, the worst there, 
w*=^ fell to my lott. 

Capt. Wilson 

Mrs. Craythorn, y" Brothers partner in the last 
ball. 

Mr. Parsons 
Mrs. Snow 

Thus I have given you a discription of our De- 
vertions here but Munday sennight I find my 
father comes, and then we shall grow grave, at 
present we amuse our Selves much. This is all 
the Account I can give you at present, and must 
conclude, dear Robin, 

your affect. Sister and 

oblidged humble Servant, 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter it. 

Bath, 30 Ajigtist 172 1. 
I thank my dear Brother Robin for all the 
trouble I have given you, and since my necklace 
cannot be found, I must be contented and am 
concerned I have given you so much trouble to 
please my Vanity. . . . You will be surprised at 
my father coming to town so soon, but an express 
came down from Sir George Saunders for him, 
upon Lech — (mere ?) being made a Lord w*"^ was 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 21 

contrary to all promises made to him that any 
should be so till his patent had passed. He will 
be in town a fryday, he went in by Coach this 
morning. Now I must tell you the devertion of 
this place. Last Thursday we came here, that 
night a play bespoke by Lady Harold, so we did 
not see anybody, next day a ball where we was, 
and saw all y^ great Ladys. My Brother Byng 
dansed french danses with Mrs. Key, who has 
seven thousand a year settled on her, and Country 
Danses w'*" Lady Jemima Grey, Duke Kent's 
daughter, we left them dansing and went with 
some Ladys to Lindseys where I sate down to 
Ginea Comerce with Dutches of Wharton, Lady 
Harold, Mrs. Sims (L"^ Morton's daughter) Mr. 
Cook (Vice Chamberlains Brother) Gen^ Stanwix 
lady, Mrs. Bradshaw, Lady Lucy, myself, etc., 
the pooll seven gineas and I very near wining 
of it. 

Saturday was a play bespoak by Lady Bristol. 
She asked us to go, as we accordingly did, but 
first went to make a visit with my father to Lady 
ffranklin, in the meantime came to see me the 
Dutches of Wharton, Lady Bristol, Lady Lucy 
and more of our Ladys, which was a perticuler 
favour, they not being of my acquaintance before, 
and what is very seldom done in these places. 
Sunday to Church and to return all my Visits, then 
in to Harison's room, where was a varst number 
of people, but I, being not well, came home by 



22 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

8 and went to bed. Next day forced myself out 
not being willing to indulge, met all our great 
Ladys at Lindseys and was visited by L*^^ 
Harold, Mrs. Car and Mrs. Andrewes, but so ill 
I was forced to come home early with a violent 
cold, and was in a fever all night, and yesterday 
much worse with sore throat and pain in my side 
that I was forced to be Blooded, and am to-day 
much better. Thus I have told you how we 
have spent each day here like a real gosip, but 
as I believe you are pretty well dull in town, 
I am willing to devert you the best I can. My 
Brothers cloaths are extream handsom and ffiit 
him exact. He has been at two balls in his 
padesway, so I think he cuts a fine figure here. 
Here is Lady Inchqueen and 2 of L'^ Essex 
sisters, but I am not acquainted with them. 
Dutches of Queensborough comes to-night. My 
head akes so much that I hope you will excuse 
this my scroll, and I must end. 

your affect. Sister 

and humble Serv\ 

S. OSBORN. 

Gray y^ poet lodges in our house so he has 
supt with us. 

Letter in. 

[Mrs. Osborn is evidently referring in this letter to 
inoculation, which was introduced into England in 1718, 
and was violently opposed by great numbers of people. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 



-O 



The three Princesses mentioned are the granddaughters 
of George I. "Jack " is her brother, afterwards Admiral 
Byng.] 

Conduit Stry.k\:, June 2, 1722. 

I was much oblidged to dear brother Robin for 
your patience in writting down perscriptions for 
my son, as well as to Dr. Askenhurst for his 
advice, but he has been too ill for me to venture 
anything but jist what they have orderd him. 
Sir Hans Slone and Amions have had him under 
their care, his swelling under his arm is still open, 
that is the wound that was made there by it 
being lanced, it is now held open by a pea. . . . 
I would ten thousand times sooner send them 
into a room to catch the smallpox, than poyson 
their blood in this manner, since there is no 
knowing when the accidents will end that comes 
by this pernicious practice. 

Munday last was a great Court at St. James's, 
and most people very fine, but I believe the 
gentlemen will ware petty-cotes very soon, for 
many of their Coats were like our Mantuas. L*^ 
Essex had a silver tissue Coat, and pink colour 
lutestring wascote, and several had pink colour 
and pale blue padeswoy Coats, which lookd pro- 
digiously effeminate. The three young Princesses 
dansed, which is a signe they got over their 
inoculating very well, for I am sure my son 
could as soon fly as danse. Brother George lives 
altogether in the Camp, I hardly ever see him. 



24 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Bro : Byng Is better since he was at Southill, and 
all are well there but my father. Jack, I think, 
knows when he is well off, for he has taken up his 
rest at Danbury. 

I doubt not but you had some merry doings at 
Bristol last Munday, and hope you had a share in 
the devertion. I can send you no news from this 
place but what is in the public prints, for I have 
no men belong to me, so of course can have no 
news that is authentick. 

I believe the country will soon be pleasent, but 
hitherto I fancy you have had much Rain, for 
certainly it has been so here, and I remember 
last year at Bristol it was the same. It spoyls 
my walks sometimes, for most mornings, instead 
of ordering my Coach and six, I order my shoes 
and ten toes to trot away to Chealsey. Your 
Aunts and all here are much your Servants, but 
none more so than 

your afifec. Sister 

and humble Serv\ 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter iv. 

Atigust 4, 1722. 
Dear Brother Robin will think I am continualy 
troubling you with letters, but having writ to Mr. 
Theed before and had no answer, I am willing he 
should have this carryd to him, so should be 
oblidged to you to send one of your porters with 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 2$ 

it. If he is not at his Chambers, they may 
leave it with his Clerk, and I should be infinitly 
oblidged to you if you have any time when you 
go to the other end of the town, if you would call 
on him yourself and help solicit for me. The 
case is this that I have had answers to my 
Chancery bills, but they proving rogueish ones, 
and not to the purpose, I am oblidged to file a 
bill of exceptions to them, and oblidge them to 
answer more fully. Mr. Theed was to have 
drawn up this bill before I left town, but it is not 
yet done, and it should be very soon filld, or 
else I shall not give them time to answer it in 
Michaelmas term, and I am quite weary of so 
many delays. . . . When they see a man appear 
for one they will not delay so, but a poor woman 
is made nothing off, she may live upon air seven 
year if she can. 

I hope you had my letter of joy to you, but I 
supose you have so much bussiness now that I 
must not expect to hear from you. 

Brother Byng talks of going to town next 
Tuesday or Wednesday to see the Duke of Marl- 
borough's funeral, which they say will be extream 
fine. 

All here much your humble Serv'', but none 
more than 

your affect. Sister 

and humble Servant, 

S. OSBGRN. 



26 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF a" 

Letter v. 

[The Mr. Layer alluded to in this letter was a 
barrister, who was accused of conspiracy against the 
king, found guilty, and hanged.] 

Danbury, Nov. 30, 1722. 

I was in hopes before this to have heard from 
dear brother Robin, but will supose you have 
been much taken up with more weighty affairs at 
your Office, and also hearing Mr. Layers trial, 
and such things of consequence, but should have 
took it for a favour to have been in your thoughts 
Wednesday. All here rememberd your health, 
and joynd with me wishing your years may con- 
tinue to prosper with as much success as they had 
hitherto done. I wanted much to see you after I 
had talked to the lawyers, before I came out of 
town, but not being able to get them togeather 
till the night before, it was imposible to see 
you. ... I must beg you will be so good to 
take my Affairs under your management. It is 
a great deal of trouble, and I know not how to 
ask it, but if you are so oblldging to do it, it will 
be esteemed a very great friendship and obligation 
in you. 

Harls is slow and delatory in his way, and 
Theed is so in his. They both blame each other, 
and I could never judg between them, but by 
carrying Haris somtimes to Theed with me, and 
hear them talk it over before me. The way to 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 27 

make yourself master of the affair is I believe 
necessary you should read over my bills and 
answers in Chancery, which Haris holds and will 
o-ive you to read. The answers I had last sumer 
from Messrs. Leigh were not thought sufficient, 
and therefore I filed exceptions to them, which it 
seems now they designe to argue before a Master 
in Chancery. I should be oblidged to you to go 
to Theed, and know when they are to be argued, 
and if it would not be too much trouble, I should 
be glad you would be in Court when they are 
aro-ued. . . . The Rent is all paid into Chancery, 
but we might get an order to permit it to be 
put out on India Bonds, etc., that I might have 
Intrest, and not let it lye dead— for their is 
above £600 paid in there w^'^ lyes dead without 
interest. There has lately been a supena served 
upon S' Danvers and another for myself to fore- 
close the equity of redemption of the mortgage. 
. . . You must have a full account of their pro- 
ceedings, and not shuffle you off as they do me, 
by saying they will take care and do all that is 
proper. They are all Rogues, but I cannot but 
say Theed has dealt as honestly by me as any 
one of them, and shuffled less, but he is very 
faulty in delaying geting the perticulers drawn of 
Newgate Market Estate, w^'' you must press him 
for, for until they are drawn no one can see the 
value of it in order to buy it, and it is a great 
determint to S"" Danvers not to have that Estate 



28 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

sold because he is oblidged to pay Intrest for j 
money which should be paid off by the sale of 
that Estate. ... To ffollow this will tyer you to 
death. ... I shall be satisfyed in general to 
know you undertake to be my Solicitor. ... I 
hope it may lye one day or other in my son's 
power to be able to serve you or yours and 
acknowledge the favour you do his mother, for 
our good Book says there is great merit in assist- 
ing the fatherless and Widow, and to see them 
that are in need and necessity have right, and I 
am sure I must claim y"" friendship under all 
these titles. 

I will trouble you with no more now, but con- 
clude with the adition of subscribing myself 
your most affect. Sister 

and humble Servt. 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter vi. 

Danbury Place, Deer. 19, 1722. 

I am much oblidged to dear Brother Robin for 
the account I received from you by Sunday post 
of my affaires. I am perfectly easy and satisfyed 
they will be well managed now you have under- 
took the trouble . . . next time I must desire 
you to ask Haris for all the papers concerning the 
poor at Chicksands, for I very much want them. 

Last week I was at Purleigh and Screens, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 29 

played at cards there till 2 in the morning. But 
London hours very ill suite the country. 

We have read your new play, which I doubt 
not but you have seen more than once, but we 
cannot relish it here, and therefore conclude tis 
our want of tast, since the Beau Mond are of 
a diferent opinion, Mr. Bob ffytch comes home 
a Saterday. He has been very ill of a feavour, 
and has not yet quite recovered it. 
your affect. Sister and 

oblidged humble Serv', 

S. OSBORN. 

My love to Nedy. 

Letter vn. 

Danbury, December 2%tk, 1722. 
I received dear B' Robins by Sunday post, as 
also one from Haris. ... He says I must come 
to town to be admitted in Court as my son's 
Guardian, to answer the Bill that is preferd 
against him. If it must be so, I hope it will be 
so contrived that I may stay but one day in town, 
for I have not half a crown of my own in the 
world, and therefore can bear no expence but that 
which is unavoidable. You are very good to call 
on my tedious people. Once being spoken too 
by a man has the weight of ten times a woman's 
speaking. Mr. Theed must be hurryd out of his 
life to get Newgate Market sold. That would 



30 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

greatly ad to the peace of all, for tis a torment to 
have that so long about. 

I am y' aff'^ Sister 

and humble Servant, 

S. OSBORN. 

A happy Xmas and many happy New Year to 
you. 

Letter viil 

Munday, March ii, 1723. 
Dear Brother Robin is very oblidging to assist 
me in so often seeing my Lawyers, which doubtless 
hastens them, notwithstanding it seems to move 
slowly on, nobody that has not experience of the 
delays of that proffession can imagine the plague 
of them. I know there is people think it more 
my fault that this afaire is not sooner concluded, 
but I have bought my experience dear. I know 
tis their Ignorance makes them say so, therefore I 
mind them not. ... I beg the favour you will 
settle about the security. If the Chancery would 
allow it, and the other side agree, I should think 
India Bonds or Navy Bills, for the Land and 
Malt Tax carry but 3 per cent. . . . and the 
Intrest will hardly answer the charge of puting 
the money out. I am very easy Brace should 
administer. I have no Will nor anything of Mr. 
Osborns, and have signed a renunciation to 
Brace. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 3 1 

When the perticulers of Newgate Market is 
done . . . then there is to be two Citty surveyors 
to value the houses, and since you are so good to 
take the trouble upon you, I hope you will go 
through with it all, and press this affair to be 
wholy compleated . . . and then I hope among 
some of your rich Citizens that there will be a 
purchaser soon found, for the Estates being sold 
will go a great way in setleing our affaires, at least 
in what relates to Sir Danvers. He is so young 
that I hope I shall get all his affaires perfect before 
he comes of age that he may enjoy it all without 
the Torment I have known with it. Ask Mr. 
Theed when he thinks we shall be able to get 
any witness to set aside the Mortgage, wether 
he remembers Sparahawk the atorney in the 
Country that promised to let him into many 
of Weedon's villinanys in this affair. ... I 
would have for my Councill, Mr. Talbot, Sir 
Phill York, and Serjeant Chesyere, so pray take 
care that these are not retained on the other 
side. 

I am uneasy to find my Leter so long and only 
filled with my own troublesome affaires, and 
nothing to entertain you. I find the town and 
parliament is in full employment, and hope all 
things will be brought to light, and those suffer 
that ought to do so. The Country begins to be 
very pleasent, and this place is always so, good 
company, a pleasent park and delightfull prospects, 



32 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

and everything that contribute to make a Country- 
life agreable. 

I will trouble you with no more now but that I am 
y affect. Sister and 

oblidged humble Servant, 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter ix. 

Danbury Place, Sept. 27, 1723. 

Dear Brother, — When ever I set pen to 
paper it is always to give you trouble, and 
encrease the obligations I have to you. Aunt 
Lucy being out of town oblidges me now to do 
it by beging the favour of you to pay some bills. 
I have enclosed them to my father for you, 
hearing there must not be any double Letters 
directed to you. I have also writ to my father 
to pay you ^45. . . . 

I can entertain you with nothing from hence, 
not being at the Assembly yesterday, but there 
was much company. Mrs. ffytch hopes you 
will come down to the last, which is Thursday 
senight. I am glad to hear Bro : Byng is going 
to devert himself at the Bath while the Hurry of 
removing is over in Albermarle Street. I am in 
great hopes of bringing my Cause to a hearing 
this Term, and Mr. Bramston who is my Clerk 
in Chancery thinks there is great reason to 
believe the Mortgage will not be proved to be 
a good one. My money is at last put out on 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 33 

Bank Anuitys, so by degrees I get but slowly 
forward. I may hope a little time more will 
make me easy. All here are much your Ser- 
vants, but none with more Truth than 
y"" affect. Sis"" and 

oblidged humble Serv', 

S. OSBORN. 

I heartily rejoyce to hear Jacky is a Lieut. 
I hope it does not want confirmation. Let me 
know if it Is certainly so, or only supposition. 

Letter x. 

SouTHiLL, May 17, 1726. 

I must trouble dear Brother Robin with thanks 
for your last Letter, and glad the Yorkshire 
money is in your hands ; for by a letter from 
Mr. Theed, I hear the Dean of York is come to 
town, and the Life Is now to be renewd imedi- 
atly, and I am to pay six hundered and twenty- 
three pounds for the new one he grants me. In 
the first place we have a dificulty who he Is to 
grant It too. Sir Danvers being a minor it cannot 
be to him. I may marry again and therefore tis 
not thought proper to grant it to me, and there- 
fore Mr. Theed has desired me to consider of 
two people I can trust to have it granted to them. 
I have chose your self and Thomy Osborn, and 
hope you will give me leave to do so, because It is 



34 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

not safe to have it granted to any but those that 
are just and honest, so hope you will have no 
objection ... it being not to give you any 
trouble more than to make use of your name, 
and upon any occasion of surrendering it up to 
have another Life renewd, it must be done by 
you. 

The next dificulty I am under is to raise the 
sum of £^22), for by my paper enclosed you have 
but £^\\ in your hands. I did not imagine this 
money would be wanted till I had received New- 
gate Market rents, so that what to do for y' ^i8i 
I know not. I have writ to Aunt Lucy to try 
to borow it upon a pressing ocasion. All the 
favour I ask of you is to answer the whole sum 
when it is demanded of Theed. I will take care 
you shall be repaid in less than a week ... do 
not let me loose my credit in not having the 
payment answerd, for I have orderd Theed to 
draw upon you for ^623 whenever the Dean is 
ready to sign. Pray let me have two words from 
you by next post. I am always in that unhappy 
state to be wanting favours, and never in a 
Capacity to return them. I hope I shall soon 
overcome all my dificulty that I may not be 
such a continual trouble to my friends. If you 
excuse this you will infinitly oblidge 
your most affect. Sister and 

oblidged humble Serv\ 

S. OSBORN. 



lady of the eighteenth century. 35 

Letter xi. 

[Pattee Byng had married, in 1724, Lady Charlotte 
Montagu, which explains why she speaks of Kimbolton 
as her brother's home.] 

South ILL, /«/?/ 12, 1726. 

I have not had the pleasure a great while of a 
line from dear brother Robin, and hope that by 
this time that part of the money is repaid to you, 
but I have spent a fortnight at Kimbolton, my 
brothers home, which hindered me writing or 
hearing of Bussiness. . . . 

My brother Byng and myself spent our time 
very agreably at Kimbolton, which is the finest 
house and Park I have ever seen, tho not con- 
tented with enjoying that alone, we went to see 
several other places, Boughton, which is the 
Duke of Mountagues, and Drayton, Lady Betty 
Jermains, both in Northamptonshire. The first 
was a prodigious building and great designes 
were formed by the late Duke, who only finishd 
one ffront. The gardens and Wood is certainly 
fine, but I think wants variety, being all an entire 
deep shade with fine Lime trees and grass walks. 
We saw it to much disadvantage, the Bridge 
beinof broak that we could not see the Water- 
works which they say are fine ; and indeed the 
Gardens and House are both ill kept, the Duke 
not being there above a fortnight in 2 or 3 year, 



36 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

and all the furniture except fine family pictures is 
taken down for other houses. 

Drayton is an old house that pleases me very 
well, built with Towers, not regular within, but fine 
Galereys, and a very agreable place if it were not 
so dull looking. 

My Brother and the Duke spent two days 
abroad without us; went with Sir W"" and Sir 
Gilbert Pickering to Whitlesey mere a fyshing 
in a Yatch. The weather proved fine and they 
came home well pleased with their expedition 
which seldome happens when it is proposed. 
It is a Lake in Huntingtonshire, 22 miles round, 
and the narrowest place over it is 4 mile broad, 
so that tis a perfect Sea. There is Cuts that run 
from it down to Lyn, and so into the sea. 

Since we came home, which was last Wednes- 
day, have been in a continual hurry. Thursday 
by invitation dined at the Duke of Kents. 
Fryday we were dressd and in the Coach to 
go to L'^ ffitzwilliams, but rain prevented us. 
Saturday we was to wait on our new neighbour, 
Mrs. Beacher. She was a good fortune tho a 
Brewer's daughter at Hackney, so you may 
imagine she is nothing extraordinary, but Mr. 
Beacher will have money to build a new house, 
and those are, they say, the chiefe ingredients 
towards a happy life. 

Sunday we was again dressd, but the rain 
prevented our going to Ampthill. Yesterday 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 2)7 

we had the Duke and Dutches of Kent and Mr. 
Cole with them, also the Herveys, and this day 
are for the third time to dress for Ampthill, and 
now I have given you a short account of our 
time. I must only ad the humble Service of all 
here to you and ashure you I am, 
Dear Brother Robin, 
most affect, sister and humble Serv\ 

S. OSBORN. 

I should think it impossible for Uncle Byng to 
hold a month longer, it is not to be expressed 
what he endures, a most melancholy end, poor 
man, he makes, and every day one wishes might 
be his last. Saturday nobody expected he could 
have outlivd, fell into great passions of tears, 
and took leave of his family with recommending 
the care of them to my father. Indeed she has a 
miserable time of it, and night and day is nursing 
him, nobody in the world can take more care of 
a man then she does of him, and one should have 
thought nothing but the most sincere affection 
could have supported any one to go through 
what she does, but hers sure must be compassion. 

Letter xh. 

SOUTHILL, Oct. 25, 1726. 

Dear Brother, — The post I had the favour of 
a Letter from you brought us the agreeable news 
of your good fortune in the Lottery (which, tho 



3-8 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

ci Trifle) yet fear it is not true since you did not 
confirm it by your letter. Mrs. Byng who heard 
the number read told us it was my Brother 
George who had that good fortune. I wish 
George very well, but when I consider it is but 
one main and tis gone, I rather hope tis your 
own, and hope soon to have the satisfaction 
of hearing from you that it is so. 

To-day my Brother Byng is going to Bedford 
when there is to be a very great meeting of all 
the gentlemen in this County, the Secret History 
of which is that last week there came the Servant 
of the Bell Inn at Bedford who went round to all 
the gentlemen, Dukes and Lords without dis- 
tinction, with the Duke of Bedford's service and 
to desire their Company to meet him at y^ Bell at 
Bedford tomorow. This mesage coming by such 
a messenger, startled every one, and last week 
Sir Rowland Alston, Mr. Brown, &c., came to 
consult my father what was to be done, and what 
was y^ meaning of this mesage, for beside it was 
also to a Tory Inn, and they heard by the by 
there was a dessign on ffoot for some Propositions 
against y^ next Elections. In short every one 
was under dificultys, so my father, Bro :, and 
several more of the Whig gentlemen went last 
Thursday to y^ Duke of Kent's to consult on 
this Grand affair, the Odnes of the Mesenger 
will not permit the Duke of Kent nor my father 
to go, but they agreed by all means to have all 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 39 

the Others go and muster up all the Whigs 
togeather in the County, as it is the first meeting 
he has desired with the gentlemen, . and sent 
without distinction of Party, so it was judgd 
they should not make any, and it was nessesary 
they should be prepared if he proposed anybody 
to set up, that then they should oppose any Tory 
and name another. Duke of Kent would have 
had my Brother Byng stand but for several 
reasons it is declynd. Beacher will not be at 
the expense, therefore at last it was agreed that 
Ongley has hardly any principles at least not 
violent if he is a Tory, and that tis nessesary 
to court him and bring him over if they can to 
the Whig Intrest. 

My Brother Byng carrys him and Brownsel 
and Hervey with him in his Coach to Bedford, 
and then Is to carry him to y^ Whig Inn, where 
they will meet Alston, Orlebar, and all the Whigs, 
who are to propose it to him to be beforehand 
with anything that can be started by the Duke 
of Bedford who we hear intends to have Leigh 
and Monox, who are both good Tories, but what 
will be the end of all this I know not, but think 
tis a shame to begin already such treatys for 
people to spend such a large share of money and 
health as they must do in three year. Tis a sign 
Duke Bedford Is a gidey hot-headed Creature or 
he would not delight to study an expensive Elec- 
tion to his neighbours, all this is at present under 



40 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

y* Rose, but tomorow it will be known at Bedford, 
and I thought you would not dislike to know this 
affair which is but the begining of greater. 

My house is done and it will cost me £jS 
furnishing and all, and ^30 was the first sum, 
with large allowances might come to ^50, and 
now I have spent pounds must save shillings, and 
I intend to stay here as long as the family does, 
tho I believe Lady Charlotte has set fryday 
fortnight. . . . 

I have been thinking if I could not have a little 
assistance from you. I remember once you did 
scrape up a little chest of candles for Jacky from 
the office. I say no more, for if it neither suits 
conscience nor convenience I do not ask It. 

You will wonder how I contrive to fill such a 
large sheet of paper where I have only left room 
to ashure you I am, dear Brother, 

your most affect. Sister and 
oblidged humble Servant, 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter xiii. 
[This letter is addressed to Mr. Byng at Compiegne.] 

SouTHiLL, Oct 25, 1726. 

Dear Brother, — It is very oblidging in you to 
give me the pleasure of seeing your hand, and 
hearing you were well, which favour I received 
last post. Pleasure and Business no doubt make 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 4 1 

great alteration in spending ones time, and makes 
one seem to breath a different air at the same 
place. This reflection comes from thinking last 
year twas all the former, and perhaps this year all 
the latter, or rather a mixture of the two that 
makes both agreable. Too much of one would 
perhaps do one harm, and too much of business 
clouds the understanding. I have had more of it 
than many women of my age. I own I now and 
then wish myself in your pocket, wishing to know 
a little truth. We are so humdrum here that we 
know nothing but from newspapers. I dont love 
to live quite so ffree from the hurry of the World, 
without any gentlemen with us, all have deserted 
us this summer. My father has not had time 
to be hear yet, tho hopes to slip down next week. 
My brother is well pleased at Scarborough. 
George has taken pet, and says he wont see 
us again this summer, and at present dont know 
where he is . . . next week I hear he is 
to be for 20 days upon Guard at Windsor. 
No news of Jack yet, and for Ned he is devert- 
ing himself at Danbury, till the Race time in 
Kent. Thus you see how forlorn we are, for my 
own part know nothing more than conversing 
with ffarmers, improving my knowledge in Turnips 
and Wheat land . . . and riding out most evenings. 
My mother has an extream pretty pad upon 
which she and Mrs. Vincent take turns, for we 
cannot very well be equipt with more than two. 



42 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

The Kents went to the Installation, and have 
not been down since, they being our best neigh- 
bours, we miss them much. 

After this account what can you expect from I 
this place, especialy when I consider I am write- 
ing to Paris, and to one who knows more than we 
do here, and therefore must not venture at any 
sort of news, and for Ilnature, Love, and Envy, 
they are subjects the town will be ever full of, tho 
ever so empty of people, but as I never give in 
to such idle nonsence, nor believe it would enter- 
tain you, I shall only tell you I fancy all is made 
easy again between Tom and his Lady, and they 
will not part as people was so malicious to say. 
Tis very hard every little indiscretion in ffamilies 
must give so much entertainment to other 
people. 

Lucy has got a knack of writeing fine descrip- 
tions since she is become a Traveller, which 
makes me doubt of all y^ was related last year 
from Paris, since I find she can give as fine an 
account of the North, and therefore I shall 
imagine all that is new and charming to her. 

I know not how to direct to you, therefore have 
took the liberty to enclose it to Mr. Walpole. 
Pray make my complyments of excuse to him for 
doing so, and believe me, dear Brother, 
your most affectionate Sister, 

and very humble Servant, 

S. OSBORN. 



lady of the eighteenth century. 43 
Letter xiv. 

SOUTHILL, Aug. 21, 1729. 

I take this opertunlty to welcome you again 
into England and am extreamly glad you have 
had a pleasent tour, as the Ladys say it has been. 
They are in great delight with it, and have great 
obligations to you for your care of them. I hope 
we shall soon see you down here. Pray dont 
neglect us tho it is not so fine at Versaills, we are 
now reduced to a small family and hope you will 
not find any excuse to forget your promise of 
spending a little time with us. . . . Service to 
George. . . . 

your affect. Sister, 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter xv. 

[This letter is written just after the marriage of Mr. 
Edward Byng with Miss Bramston.] 

SOUTHUX, Nov. 28, 1730. 

I am indebted many thanks to dear Brother 
Robin for the oblidging letters since I came here. 
Your joy and kind expressions to Brother Ned 
and me on this occasion have been varstly pleas- 
ing to me and to my sister Byng, who expresses 
great esteem for you — she told me you had 
pleaded hard for your brother. . . . Tho the 
newspapers have near doubled my sister Byngs 



44 



POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 



fortune in point of wealth, yet what is wanting to 
make that up, is fourfold made up in her own 
value, for she seems of a sweet disposition, and 
formd to make a man happy, indeed I have no 
doubt but they will make each other so, for I 
think he has many virtues and is very good- 
naturd. 

How long we stay here is uncertain. They are 
endeavouring to find a house fit to buy for them 
in town, which would be best if it can be found at 
first, because of furniture filing to it, and Rent 
runs away with what would purchase on. Their 
fortunes will be but moderate, for tho she has 
^looo a year, yet there is ten thousand pounds 
debt which must be paid. I imagine she will soon 
sell her Estate in Essex to pay off that debt, and 
all she brings beside she must spend, indeed her 
house will be his, her coach his, &c., but other- 
ways he cannot spend more than he did before, if 
so much, and as it is agreed what remains after 
the debts are paid is to be settled on her self and 
childeren, and in failure of them to him for ever, 
but except that hapens, he never will have power 
to touch one peny more than the income, therefore 
this was no great catch without the agreable 
temper she has brought with it, which, as George 
wrote Ned word, is a jewel whose lustre will 
brighten by wearing. 

I doubt your Aunt Molly, as you call her, lookd 
very sowr at the news, as to be sure all the Bram- 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 45 

stons must do. Her uncle is intolerably vexd, 
but answerd my fathers letter with civility, tho 
has wrote a very unpleasant one to her. 

I will not run on with more, but to tell you we 
all drank your health yesterday being the 27th, 
and if the winds would have blowd our thoughts 
to you, it would have been to ashure you of our 
good wishes and none more of them at heart than, 
dear Robert, 

your very affect. Sister 

and faithfull humble Serv', 

S. OSBORN. 

So many letters every post to bring joys to us, 
that our whole time has been spent in reading and 
answering of them. This is near the thirtyeth or 
more I have made this week. 

Letter xvi. 

Chilbolton, Oct. 21, 1731. 

Dear Brother Robin is very good to give me 
the pleasure of a Letter, which I return my thanks 
for, and wish I could say anything from this place 
which might make this worth your trouble to read. 
I must welcome you to your winter quarters, 
where I find you are all gathered togeather, there- 
fore pray disperss my complyments among them 
and double them to yourself. 

Where is George ? I hear nothing of him, nor 
where he is. If he is in good spirits, I am easy. 



46 rOLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

You that are in the midst of the Beau Mond 
and think of nothing but fforeign Dukes &c., will 
not be entertaind with what I can relate from 
hence, which only consists of the pleasures of the 
ffeild, when last Munday we were perticulerly 
well pleased, for by invitation we had Dr. Burton, 
the Master of Winchester School and his ten 
young noblemens sons that live with him, for 
which he has ;^200 a year for each, and is as a 
private Governour to them, and they also have the 
advantage of a publick school at the same time, 
which surely must be a fine way of educating 
them. These with 4 other young gentlemen of 
the school met us in the ffeild a Hunting, they and 
their attendance and ours made in all 40 people, 
and after very good sport all came home to dine 
here. Indeed I have not seen a finer sight than 
these boys and their master together. 

L'^ Deerhurst and his 2 Brother Coventrys, L"* 
Ossulston, Lord Brook, Master Duncomb and Sir 
Robert Burdet, Master Greville, Master Wallop 
(L'^ Lymingtons son), Master Tryon, also Lord 
Drumlannich the Duke of Oueensberrys son, who 
is under his peculiar care tho not in the house 
because he would not exceed his fixd number. 
Last week we spent 3 or 4 days at Lord Lym- 
ingtons which is a fine place, and they very 
agreable people. My Lord was so good to 
engage some of my perplexd affaires which are in 
so unhappy a situation that no way can be con- 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 47 

trived to settle them well, but I hope another 
fortnight will release me from thinking more of 
them for this year. I beg the favour you will 
give the enclosed to Aunt Lucy, and that you will 
believe me with great truth, dear Brother, 
your very affec'^ Sister 

and humble Servant, 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter xvh. 

[There is a gap of nearly two years between this 
letter and the foregoing one. During the year 1732, 
Sarah made a tour of three months in France and 
Belgium with her friend, Lady Gage, and the journal 
she kept during that time still exists among her papers 
at Chicksands Priory.] 

London, 26 July, 1733. 

Dear Brother Robert is very oblidging to let 
me partake of your devertions and douleurs in 
Kent. I ffeel your situation, but I think there 
is not the less life in it for the dull prospect at 
present. Time and patience cures all evils. I 
have been puzzeling over business to - day I 
wanted to do before I leave the town, but find 
myself less capable of anything of that sort than 
in ye midst of a feavour. It was }<= stewards 
account nessesary to be passd, but I am forcd 
to lay them by, find it imposible to proceed. 
What creatures we are to have a little lllnesr. 
alter the whole fframe ! I shall be quite malon- 



4S POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

choly to find myself so useless if I do not mend 
very much in the country. 

I go to Lord Shannon's a Munday, I believe 
for the month of August, but that depends on 
company they expect there, but would not let 
me stay longer in town, for which they are very 
kind, for I rather loose than get strength here, 
and yet grow ffat. My acquaintance in town 
have been very good to me, I have not been 
one day alone, so that I really cannot say I 
dislike being here. I went with Lady Gage to 
Ashly this week, and returnd in a chaise. I 
thought I might venture calling half way at 
Dutches of Cleveland's, where we refreshd, 
otherways have not been out of my doors since 
mother went out of town. There is no sort of 
chat or news, you are in the gay life, and I hope 
Kent will answer all your expectations, which 
will be a very great pleasure, dear Brother, 
to your affect. Sister 

and humble Serv^ 

S. OSBORN. 

Bro : George tyerd of Southill, is going to 
Hampton Court tomorow, not in waiting, so to 
his lodging there. He intends for Southill 
again in 3 weeks. 

Letter xviii. 

[This letter is written just after the death of Sarah's 
father, Lord Torrington, to whom succeeded her eldest 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 49 

brother, Pattee. Sarah takes up her abode chiefly in 
London after this event, and apparently writes from town 
to her son, who is evidently at Chicksands, and though 
only eighteen years of age, is now busying himself with 
the affairs of the estate.] 

Dec^ 1733. 

My dear Danvers, — Mr. Ware will be with 
you by 12 a Clock on Thursday, and by farther 
enquiry of Him I find he is in much esteem, and 
therefore hope he will prove a propper person to 
serve you ... as to my advertized friend I 
cannot yet be able to come at his character, only 
that he was heir to the great sportsman fframpton, 
who left him ^800 ... as you say, Mr. 
fframpton will have his choice of ffarms, for ten 
people where I was the other day was enquiring 
after him, and vext he advertized, but one day I 
put them all in an uproar by telling them I had 
sent after him and seen him. They all beggd if 
he did not succed in you that I would let them 
know. . . . You would have laughd to have 
seen everyones distresses unfolded. One cryd " I 
have a ffarm has lain on my hands this 2 year of 
;^i8o, and have not rec"^ a shilling," another one 
of ^140, another 2 ffarms, and so on till ten had 
declared to the same effect. This has convinced 
me that you have no worse luck than others. 
They were all so eager after this man, that they 
could not agree who should have the prefference, 
. . . and if he does not take y"" ffarm, ... I shall 

D 



50 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

nevertheless be curious to know who is the lucky 
or unlucky person who gets him. Mr. Nicolson 
is a gentleman ffarmer that assists Mr. ffytch 
with his advice and lives in the neighbourhood, 
and one to whom we have given a little present 
of Wine for asisting us sometimes, . . . and there- 
fore a very propper person to give advice what 
you should do. . . . 

Brandy, lemons, knives, a copper pot and 
Jack goes tomorow. Taylor says muggs, punch- 
bowls, and glasses are to be had at Shefford. 
There is no occasion to give 2 sorts of wine. 
I hope the basket I sent a Satterday got safe. 
Emertons people were like all other, very teazing, 
and sent you down the wrong colours. . . . To 
be sure you ought to have an Ace' of all wheat, 
butter, pidgeons, and everything how sold, and 
what proffits, and not he pay y^ rent and give 
you no farther account. ... I believe before this 
ffarm he was a very honest man, but this either 
by temptation or stupidity has very much alterd 
his conduct. I am quite in a Wood and very 
ignorant in his ffarming Ace', however I shall 
endeavour to state it all in a regular way, and 
then you must consider the Accounts before they 
are passd, and I believe you and I should be 
shut up some hours together before they can be 
so. I do assure you I am quite out of my depth, 
and must have y assistance. 

I am told if y walls are not thorough dry your 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 5 1 

paper will be quite spoyld, and if they are dry the 
best way is to put the paper to the walls without 
any liming-, if the walls are only one ruff cote and 
not whited, but if they are whited, it will not do 
so. . . . This is a good scheme to save expence, 
and I am ashured 'tis by much the best way 
where there is wall. 

I know not if Brother George jokes, therefore 
say nothing that I may not be bitt, but he yester- 
day assured me upon his honour that he had it 
from good hands that Brother Robert is appointed 
Gouvenor of Barbadoes, which is ;^i2oo a year 
paid by y^ Govm* here and .;^30oo by the Island 
I wish it may be true, tho sorry we must loose 
him. If this is really so we must think if he can 
provide some maintenance there for y^ Uncle 
Robert (Osborn), if he can be prevaild upon to 
go there. Posibly a new Clymate and a distance 
from his odious acquaintance may make him 
become a new man. He has sense if he would 
make use of it, and I am never without hopes 
where there is that ingredient, for at one time or 
other in Life it predominates over y^ Passions. 

I hope you burn or lock up my letters, for I 
should be prodigious sorry anyone should know 
I pretend to offer my oppinion to you, what is 
between ourselves goes for nothing, and you 
are so good to take it as purely from affec- 
tion, but a mother is the last person that 
other people will allow the previlidge, and there- 



52 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

fore whatever she says should dye in your own 
breast. 

Letter xix. 

April 1734. 

All the advice Danvers met with when he was 
in London was not for his advantage, and fearing 
he should not be a man soon enough, those ways 
never fail to have their effect, and whenever he 
returns, is some time before he can setle again. 
I have heard ffrom Mr. Charles that he has kept 
very ill hours ever since he went down, and con- 
sequently cannot study next day, but makes him 
very indolent. Two o'clock in the morning is 
very improper hours, and therefore I should be 
much oblidged to you to give half an hour of 
your time to write a litle good advice to him. 
You may tell him that you met with a person 
who came from Cambridge of whome you en- 
quired and that they told you of his bad hours, 
and therefore that the ill consequences that must 
produce has made you write to him on that 
subject, and that you imagine I know nothing 
of it, and say somthing to encourage him to 
take Mr. Charles advice, for if he does not find 
the men of the family have an opinion of him, 
he will have less and less regard for him (Mr. 
Charles) every day, which will be very unhappy. 
I will not keep the news longer, and this hint is 
enough, and I shall be much oblidged if you will 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 53 

be SO good to write this post if you have time. 
They think women and parsons dont know the 
world, and that it is manly to keep such hours. 
I can only ad that I am, 

y very affect. Sister and humble Serv^ 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter xx. 

[This letter is written to Mr. Robert Byng just after 
his marriage with Miss Forward.] 

Conduit Street, 27 April 1734. 
Dear Brother, — After hoping you had a 
pleasent journey to Plymouth, and that all things 
there appear to your satisfaction, I give myself 
the pleasure of conveying my good wishes to you, 
and imagining you will be glad to hear how things 
go here. I send you the Acc of our County 
Election, which came on last Wednesday. Votes 
for Spencer were 135 1, Alston 1287, Leigh 1020, 
by which you will see Spencer had even a greater 
majority than my Brother when he stood, and 
that was recond a very great one. . . . The 
populace of Bedford are most discontented at 
having no opposition for the town, and by this 
time it is determind if Sir Roger Burgoine and 
Mr. Beacher opposed them, the Election was to 
be yesterday, and there was schemes to make 
that matter bear, tho' posibly without much hopes 
of succeeding, the return being doubtfull. I am 



54 POLITICAL AND SOaAL LETTERS OF A 

impatient to hear how it has gone. If they suc- 
ceed, I shall think it a masterpeice. . . . Now I 
must tell you the long expected match of Lady 
Ffany Pierpoint and Phill Meadows was con- 
cluded last Tuesday from the Opera. She pre- 
tended to be ill and went out, neither servants nor 
chair of her own could be found at that time, and 
so in a hack chair she went dirictly to Lady 
Meadows in Priory Garden, where was Parson, 
Licence, Husband, and all ready. Next day he 
and she went out of town to his sister Bulstrodes 
at Hounslough. She was of age the day before, 
and has given herself and ;^20,ooo entirely to 
him. I hope she will be as honourably dealt 
with in relation to the settlement of her fortune, 
as some people you have been concernd for. 

There is not any news yet come of the arrival 
of the Prince and Princess ^ of Orange in Hollond. 
The wind is against leting us know soon. There 
is no doubt they got there safe, and glad he is, I 
am sure, to set his foot on his own land again. 
They talk of the Prince of Orange going to the 
Rhine, a volunteer only, if that is so he has 
promised the King and Queen that the Princess 
Royal shall make them a visit. It is to be in two 
months, and has been a sugar plumb that has had 
the desired effect, for everyone concernd in their 
voyage has had faith to believe it, tho I believe 
none else can, at least it is very improbable. 
^ Eldest daughter of George H. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 55 

It made them all go chearfull, when from thinking 
not to see England in years, that they expected 
now to return in two months. The king said he 
would send his yatchs upon the first notice for 
her, and take care she should be back again to 
meet him at his return from y^ Rhine. There is 
orders given to buy horses for her to hunt when 
the season comes, they are then to be at Hampton 
Court. So all this looks serious, and the Queen 
talks of it with great pleasure. 

The town is a desart, looks like July. How is 
it posible to think it April, it has not been so in 
this month in anyones memory. 

I am with great truth, dear Brother Robert, 
your very affec^ Sister 

and humble Servant, 

S. OSBORN. 

Letter xxi. 

[Four years elapse before the next letter of Sarah's 
is written. In the year 1736 Sir Danvers attained his 
majority. The present letter is full of details of house- 
keeping and the cost of living, which it is interesting to 
compare with the present day.] 

Savile Street, 1738. 

My dear Danvers, — I have wrote so many 

Epistles to you this week, that now I think there 

is nothing left to say on your own affaires, and 

therefore I have set down to consider what you 



56 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

desired me to do some time ago. 'Tis a subject 
quite disagreeable, since I cannot endure to think 
of your being at any expence with me, only when 
I think again, it is if I do not come to some 
calculation you will never esteem my House your 
own, and I cannot be easy if that is not so, for I 
must desire you to look upon it entirely in that 
light, and to come and go and do in it exactly the 
same as if I was out of it, and be without the 
least constraint or formality in any one perticuler. 
You must believe this sincere when you reflect 
that all the satisfaction I can enjoy centers in 
yourself, and consequently can never be so happy 
as when it is in my power to contribute towards 
your ease, — but to the point. 

The first thing I lay down is that for 2 or 3 
year to come you will enjoy a single life by being 
here and there and everywhere, therefore I would 
put this affair in a method that you should never 
be at expence here but when you are actualy 
here, and so always carry your expence with you. 

The w^hole of the affair is this, that when I live 
by myself I generaly spend in what I call house- 
keeping, which is only eatables, 30 shillings a 
week. If company or any unforseen thing happens 
it encreases according to that, but never is under, 
so that I recon myself and five Servants at that 
rate, exclusive of Beer, Coals, Candles, Tea, Coffee, 
Sugar, Wine, and several other articles which slip 
in to Housekeeping. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 57 

When I live alone I only have a slice of the 
Servants joynt without any adition whatever, but 
that cannot be if any one person is with me, and 
whenever you have been at home it has seldome 
been under ^4 a week, therefore I recon one 
week with another it will generaly come there- 
abouts, for I recon you will have two servants 
here, but have more or less, you will only be at 
the expence you bring with you. 

Now consider in what light you would choose 
to put it. I am uneasy for fear I may not do it 
in that w^^ you approve, and that you will by 
complysance assent. I beg it may be not so. 
Be ffree and sincere in your Answer, as I am in 
my proposal, which is, that the fewer articles and 
trouble you have the better. And I was thinking 
the expence of Coals, Candles, Beer, Washing, 
&c., would be endless to devide, therefore supose 
all these articles sunk, and insted of them you 
make the table when you are in town, your own. 
I fear you will think upon first sight of this, that 
I am unreasonable, in proposing you should keep 
me and my five servants when you are here, but 
upon second thoughts . . . you will conclude I do 
it in this method that you may never have any 
reconings but the weekly account, and that only 
when you are here for any time, and hope you 
will give me leave to treat you with my own 
short Commons, when only a few days call you to 
town, then when the table is your own, you may 



58 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

live better or worse as you like, invite what Com- 
pany you please, and nothing can make you more 
Master of this house than the table being your 
own, with a Housekeeper who will take all the 
care posible to have it ffrugal to your mind. If 
you rather choose I should put in y^ 30 shillings 
a week in y^ house purse, it will be equal to me, 
and I will then endeavour to devide the other 
articles. Why I ad washing to them is that when 
you are at home, I always wash table linnen and 
sheets abroad. I hope I have explained it so 
that you understand. I pay for everything but 
the dirict housekeeping weekly book, which will 
come to ^4 a week, w<=^ is however cheaper 
than you could be at any scrub lodging, and 
y^ Servants at Board Wages, and from this time 
I desire it may no more be caled my House but 
your own. 

As soon as the great Shefford wagon drove 
from this door a Wed. there came the great 
Winchester wagon with a hogshed of 2 year old 
Port wine between me and my mother. If it 
should answer, and they generaly have good 
wine at Southampton, I will have a larger stock, 
for Port is all I pretend to, and therefore would if 
posible have it in perfection. By all means write 
again to the Duke of Beaufort, and take the 
liberty to remind him that the years Interest 
was due the 19th of last month, that you have 
engaged to pay ^300 the 24th of this month, and 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 59 

depend upon his being so good to order the pay- 
ment of against that day, and should be oblidged 
for answer at Lord Torringtons, Southill, Biggles- 
wade, Beds. I hope Brother George got down 
well this terrible day. I pitty poor Jack and 
more y* Chester in y^ downs. The wind is quite 
frightfull. 

My duty and complyments to all, 

your truly affect. Mother, 

S. O. 

They say Sir Orlando is taken by Mr. 
Edwards, one of his creditors, and bringing up to 
y^ Fleet prison. Twas madness he did not go 
abroad after he was discovered. There is a 
severe criticism on Popes Essay on Man. 

Letter xxh. 

December 26, 172)^. 

Dear Brother, — My head is so full of what 
Brother George told me yesterday, that I cannot 
help sending you my joy, for tho there is many 
disagreeable things in it, yet the main must be 
considerd. He declard to me upon his honour 
that he had it from very good authority and 
out of Sir Charles Wade's house that you were 
appointed Governor of Barbadoes. If this is so, 
why should you deny your ffriends the pleasure 
of hearing what must please them, if it does you ? 
I dont let it go out of my lips to any one, but he 



6o POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

told it at Stuckley's, and was so serious that we 
all bile at it. Sister Byng assured me it was no 
jist, he told us all perticlers, that you have it in a 
very handsome manner, without any clog upon 
you. Stuckley in a moment was thinking who to 
send with you, and I imediatly was thinking how 
I could serve you here, and take care of your 
eldest son in your absense. It has so engrossed 
my thoughts that it spoylt my devotion yesterday. 
Pray answer this letter next post, and with my 
complyments to you all, I am, 

y"" very affect. Sister 

and humble Servant, 

S. O. 

Letter xxiii. 

[This is the last letter addressed to Mr. Robert Byng. 
He died the following year.] 

CmCKSANDS, /a?iua;y 30, 1739. 

Dear Brother, — Many thanks for a cargo 
of paper come a Thursday. Unreasonable con- 
sciences are still asking, if it is not too late for 
your almanacks, I should be oblidged to you for 
one, and a large ruler, with pencils, a little red 
Ink, a little Pounce, a piece of tape, for I am 
much employd at present in what I am distressd 
for these things, and can get nothing here, not so 
much as a penknife to scratch. . . . And if any 
of your clerks are at leisure, could you employ 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 6 1 

one to rule twenty sheets of the enclosed large 
paper. ... I am ashamed of all these troubles 
we give you. My son ... is frighted at borrow- 
ing money and mortgaging, and therefore is most 
inclynd to what is a certainty, tho in y^ end not 
so proffitable. You are very oblidging to think 
so much for him when you have so many material 
affaires of your own to take up your mind, wh : 
I hope will prove to your satisfaction and ad- 
vantage. Be assured in anything Danvers or 
I can serve you in your absense, that you may 
depend upon our best care, therefore in all y"" 
schemes take it for granted we are ready to obey 
your orders, and shall do it with pleasure, beside 
the natural affection and regard I must always 
have for you and yours, you have a strong claim 
to all our concern from the obligations we have 
received from you, and which we both gratefully 
acknowledg. My Brother Torrington came down 
Sunday, dind here yesterday, goes to London 
tomorow. He says Henry Osborn goes to 
Guinea and Jack with you to Barbadoes, and 
may be worth his while from a good understand- 
ing between the Governor and his brother : if 
that is so, tis very well, otherways methinks you 
are all agoing from us, but I dare not reflect too 
much on the disagreable part, therefore will stop 
on that subject. Can you spare two days when 
y^ coach comes for me? I desired Lucy to 
propose it, and do as it suits you. I would 



62 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

have gone up with Brother Torn tomorow, but 
Dan vers desired I would stay a Httle longer. He 
finds a woman nessesary in a house, which I 
hope will inclyne him in due time to think of a 
companion for himself. 

Lady Ann Lumley I hear is to be married this 
week, and Lady Ann Montagu to succeed her as 
Lady of the Bedchamber. Lord Halifax is 
lucky to get rid of two daughters so soon. My 
compliments attend Sister Byng and yourself, 
dear Bro : 

y" most affec. Sis. and faithfull Serv', 

S. O. 

Send us a litle parliam^ news if any worth 
pening. 

Letter xxiv. 

[The next twenty-four letters are all addressed to Sir 
Danvers Osborn. The French Bureau described in this 
letter is still at Chicksands Priory. The Duke of 
Manchester here mentioned was the second Duke of 
that name, who had married the Duke of Montagu's 
daughter. The Duchess of Marlborough Mrs. Osborn 
speaks of, was the widow of John, the hero of Blenheim, 
Ramilies, etc.] 

Savile Street, October 27, 1739. 

My dear Danvers, — I much long to hear from 

you that your cold is gone, and as Lord Halifax 

comes to-day, and the Ladys next week, I shall 

hope to hear you have Dr. Crane with you. My 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 63 

heart akes when I think how low spirited you are 
there by yourself. 

The Wind I doubt changd too soon for Brother 
Robert, it is feard they are blowd into Plymouth. 
I had a letter from him dated Munday morning 
at 8 o'clock. They were then going through the 
Needles, and if the Wind lasted two days, hoped 
to loose sight of Land, but I fear it changd 
Tuesday morning. 

I have ruind you by buying the very handsome 
ffrench Bureau. Lord Essex I believe bid 
against us, and therefore brought it up to twenty 
guineas, and we bid tother crown, and had it. It 
is now in my parlour, and I cannot grudg the 
money since it is an extream handsome one, and 
you could have had no English Bureau under 
;^i6 or £\^, but if you do not care for it, I can 
part with it for what I gave. Tis tortoiseshell 
inlaid very fine with brass, and wants no sort of 
repair, it is the same sort of what stands in the 
two Piers at Lord Carterets. This is very fine 
and large of the sort. . . . 

I hope you had oysters last week ? Would 
you have them once a week or fortnight ? 

I send you " Common Sense " to shew the 
spirit designd. One was sure the case would 
turn out so, where party rage must guide. 

Lord Robert Montagu and Dutches Man- 
chester came to town together last Wednesday. 
She went dirictly to Dutches Marlborough, who 



64 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

had prepard an Apartment to receive her when- 
ever it happend. I saw a Lady yesterday, came 
piping hot from thence, left the old Dutches at 
cards, and exercising her Witt on y^ poor Duke's 
will, commends the Dutches who is in high favour 
at present, she has talkd so sensible and propper 
on the occasion. She is charmd with her, but the 
Will is her whole redicule, and since it is so, tis 
pitty he named his Dutches in it. He has left 
her ^300 for mourning, which is not 3 pence, her 
watch and jewels for life, and after to his brother. 
This is set out by saying y^ watch cost I forget 
what, when she married in her youth. She has 
broke it and changd it away for one that cost but 
^^14. The baubels of jewels are set in the same 
light, but the great Joke of all is the Sedan chair, 
which cost .^30 at her weding, and now not 
worth £/[. The furniture of the two rooms 
which the Dutches of Marlborough had given her 
was not treated with so much contempt, but calld 
a "few old o-oods." 

This is the whole left the Dutches, he has 
left everything in Lord Roberts favour, being 
sole executor, not a farden to his sisters, not 
even mourning, which is a litle hard on them. 
;^2 5,000 in money is ordered to be laid out in 
Land in Huntingtonshire, and entaild on with the 
Estate. Half a years wages to all his servants, 
and nothing left to anybody beside. Dutches 
Marlborough says he has left his Dutches and all 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 65 

his Serv'^ a half years wages, for ^300 was half a 
year's pin mony, so she puts it in that light. It is 
no wonder anywhere else but at Marlborough 
House that he should do all he could in favour 
of his Brother, since there is so small Estate 
to support so great a title, and /2000 a year 
joynture to be paid out of it to a young woman 
may live this fifty year, but at Marlborough 
House all is calld mean spirited. I doubt nothing 
would have made it noble but leaving his Dutches 
the /2 5,000 cash. All else was trash, for she 
says she must starve on her joynture. Some say 
all the jewels she had was presents from her own 
family, if it was so, tis pitty they were not entirely 
given to her, but this will was made at Kimbolton 
2 years ago by a country lawyer, who I supose 
made all returnable, even the sedan chair, throuo;h 
ignorance. However I well remember how they 
treated the Duke of Bedfords character when his 
Dutches died, and therefore am not astonished to 
hear the same now. 

The estate is recond ^4000 a year, and the 
place in the Customs ^1500, out of which L^ 
Robert had an anuity of ^600. I dont recon 
he will have above /3000 a year adition with his 
title. 

Undertakers dont go down to Bath till Tuesday, 
then they bring him to Slough, and so to Kim- 
bolton, that it will be at least Sunday or Munday 
next before he is hurried. . . , 



66 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

I dont see that you might have been his 
Succeeder in Parliament, for Clerk has not a foot 
of land in that County, 'tis Dr. Alured Clerk's 
brother. . . . 

I have wrote enough to make your head ake to 
read. 

Dont leave it upon your Harpsichord. 

I am your very affect, 

S. O. 

Princess Wales to see Dutches Bedford a 
Wednesday. Child xtiand Thursday. That day 
and yesterday saw company there. I met a 
thousand people I did not think had been in 
London. 

Letter xxv. 

From Savile STREET, November 8, 1739. 

My DEAR Danvers, — My cold still keeps my 
spirits so low, that I have not been out three times 
since you went, and therefore have not that joy 
you imagine by the town falling, which it does 
low every day. 

I have amused myself with clearing away draw^ 
full of old letters and papers, to save you the 
trouble of making a Bonfire of them. I should 
have reserved them to have amused you, if I 
could imagine they would ever have been read by 
you, and only y^'self. Many of them have made 
me vain, but more have extinguished that weak- 
ness by bringing maloncholy past sceans into my 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 67 

remembrance. Some from my father with such 
tenderness and esteme for you that I must still 
preserve them for your perusal, and tho it may 
be ffashion to explode such tenderness and 
humanity as I have lately been reading, yet I 
thank God for having been born in the days when 
such passions were praiseworthy, and having 
received the Benefit of them from my ffriends, 
for it surprises me to collect together the heap 
of civilitys and kindness I have received, and the 
great want I was in of them. I hope distresses 
will lessen as inhumanity prevails, and wo be to 
those who are, and are to be born. My latter 
days have been so much happier that I had forgot 
how I strugled in Life in my youth, till this leisure 
time has refreshd my memory. 

The Duke of Manchester was to lye at Baldock 
last night in his way to Kimbolton. He has been 
very oblidging to the Dutches, given her the 
offer of the house in Grosvenor Square until she 
can ffit herself, also the use of what plate she 
pleases . . . has carried her ;^ioo for fear she 
has no money. She is sensible of all his civility, 
and has behaved exceeding well . . . his own 
Dutches removes in his absense to Grosvenor 
Square, at least till the lease is out, there being 
little trouble to step into that house quite ffur- 
nished, and even coals laid in for them. He has 
given his sisters mourning, but that or anything 
else will not content them, they are outragious 



68 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

that their Brother did not leave them it. Their 
affairs will be the Conversation of y^ town till some 
other person makes a new subject. 
I am, my dear Danvers, 

your very affec, 

S. O. 

I am sorry to hear Ashby is taking the mills 
at Langford, for you will loose a good Tenant, . . . 
but you know your own affaires best. A letter 
from Jack to-day — still at Spithead waiting for 
ships he is to convoy to Haddock, expects daily 
to go. He thinks they (Bro. Rob') are got to the 
Madras by this time, and we may hear from them 
from there. I am old fashion, and cannot be easy 
till I do. . . . 

Letter xxvl 

[This letter is full of the preparations for the marriage 
of Sir Danvers Osborn with Lady Mary Montagu, fourth 
daughter of the second Earl of Halifax. The wedding 
took place in September.] 

Chicksands, Aug. 26, 1740. 

My heart goes pit a pat for fear you will come 
before we are in order. If Tables and Glasses 
dont come till Thursday sennight, I hope at least 
you wont come before Saterday after, for as that 
Thursday will bring so many things, what shall I 
do with you to come the same day, and fryday 
must not be a weding day, for it is unlucky, there- 



. LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 69 

fore I shall scheme all for Saterday sennight, for 
it is not possible you can come here sooner. I 
wish Pattee or anybody could look at any of the- 
auctions or places they sell at in Jermyn Street, 
and find two old half settees for a trifle, to cover 
with the red stuff damask to match the six chairs, 
for I dont think the velvet armchairs do so well 
there as by the Bedside. I feel like Martha, care- 
full and troubled about many things. 

Next week the wood holes must be filld, the 
evenings grow cool. ... I have set Lady Mary's 
dressing table in foylight (firelight ?) and find it 
must be very inconvenient to her not to have a 
large glass in the pier where one was before, for she 
is too tall to dress her body by the glass upon the 
table. I wish you could meet with any old fashion 
pier glass to put there. . . . 

I am in a hurry, only time to assure you I am, 

y^ affect., 

S. O. 

Austin dont in the least care for this Job of 
Work, first he don't understand it, and second 
he is getting things for the fair, and he says no 
men to be had to help him. ... It will not, I 
daresay, be done this two months, y' Pew alone, 
he says, will be a fortnight doing. Leek must set 
up the Glasses when they come, for nobody here 
can fasten them to the stoco, or put the whole 
lengths in their frames. 



70 political and social letters of a 

Letter xxvil 

Chicksands, Sepr. 7, 1740. 

I Imagine I shall hear from you tonight, and 
now expect every Letter to fix the day of your 
coming. Pray at least guess about the time, for 
things must be had or bespoke beforehand. I 
have sent to the ffyshman at Eaton. He was 
there last Tuesday, says he has no good fysh 
yet, but will call again Tuesday, and then I must 
bespeak ffysh for fryday, or whenever I take it 
into my head you will come. Then ffryday will 
bring all relations, as those from Southill and 
Clifton, and the next ffryday after being a good 
moon, will bring the neighbourhood, therefore I 
shall calculate for two ffrydays, and after that you 
may rest. The chimdy man is not yet come, . . . 
it is better but not yet cured. It will do with a coal 
fire, but wont bear a biasing fagot. They are all 
of oppinion that nothing will do but putting it 
down, . . . but the next chimdy is stone, and If 
this was brick, you might not like it, and tho 
there Is stone enough to do it, the masons work 
would come to £<^, and the Bricklayer's to ^2, 
and this It must come to at last, and have a 
funel to Itself, It is now so crooked and small 
tis imposible to have a draught. Rogers knows 
it Is the only remedy, which makes him so tyer- 
some about It, . . . and I dare not venture to 
order it without you. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 7 1 

The room is finished, the Glasses prodigious 
handsome. I shall kill Bailis if the Tables do not 
come next Thursday. . . . Whatever marble you 
are to have is already in England, there is no 
ffresh blocks coming from Italy. I am quite 
pevish with her dilatory proceedings. 

If those tables and your presses were come, we 
should be compleat, except a Hearth and Doggs 
for the drawing-room. Shovel and tongs came 
on Thursday. What did they send a poker for ? 
Shovel and tongs for dining-room, antyroom, your 
Library, and two rooms in y^ new pasage cannot 
be done without there are dogs and hearths 
sufficient. I am persuaded you will be pleased 
with y^ furniture of that room, tho it is but paper. 
. . . The tea kettle is come, and I hope you think 
it varstly handsome, and I hope it will not exceed 
what I shall be able to compass, desireing you to 
accept it as my present to y'self. Brother Robert 
has remited me more money, and desires I would 
let Waples have ^S^^ if he wants it for a pur- 
chase. For Godsake tell Waples he must make 
no such purchase, for my Brother does not consider 
what he has sent for, ... he thinks I put Guineas 
together that will produce, he recons much too 

fast. 

I have drawn out your supper, send me word 
if you approve, or alter it as you like. I have 
o-iven Mrs. Porter dinners and suppers for a week, 
for the first week must be all clatter and hurry, 



72 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

and the more so the better. I hope I shall keep 
well till after that time is over, but I have had a 
return of my old complaint, has put me much out 
of spirits. All the poor chicks are fat, and from 
this time will grow large and lean again, but they 
must frigacy or do somthing, no Agheraust (?) 
with Partridge, what shall I do ? Three of 
them and two quails is all we have yet in. The 
men, Norman and everybody I believe has made 
Harvest Home. Pryer says he has not had such 
fine wheat nor so much since he was in the 
farm. . . . 

Dr. Osborn was here in a hurry about the Hoo, 
says if you dont have it, Mr. Edwards will, and 
that he wont take less of him than 1800 guineas, 
his wife dont care he should part with it under. 
I told him I daresay you would not be his 
hindrance from getting a good price. 

Letter xxviii. 

Savile Street, October 28, 1740. 
I am glad the Chappie is done, and succeeds 
to your mind. The pulpit furniture is done, and 
goes down tomorrow ; it had been with you last 
week but by a mistake. I brought up the old 
pulpit cushion to be ffitted to the size and coverd, 
and when I took off the old rotten cover there 
was wrote upon the dimoty, " Dorothy Osborn, 

the year 1605. B. D." 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 73 

Therefore I preserved that end and cut the other, 
since it had been 135 year in your chaple, and I 
conclude the old green Cloath has been so too. 
I shall be glad if you and Lady Mary like what 
is sent ; it is done in the cheapest manner it could 
to be decent. There was down enough in the 
Cushion to make 2 Cushions for the Books upon 
the Communion Table. I think you will want a 
Common Prayer Book for that. I hope this 
Crimson won't offend the Doctor Osborn, He 
was a litle outragious at the Colour. I unfortun- 
ately called it red, and that is not so right for a 
Chaple. Is he reconciled to the Tapistry at the 
Altar ? He is not sure if that does not favour a 
popish one. There goes a Box with your Books 
tomorow, and with the chappie furniture, a Box 
of flowers for Lady Mary and her Mantelette, 
also her two Boxes from Chavenix and a toast 
fork for Breakfast ; but I beg she may not break 
her back with stooping to make toast herself. 

Your punch Ladle was broke it seems, and 
came to be mended, and goes also tomorow. I 
name these things that you may order them 
y''self, for they had got a way of opening every- 
thing that came, and twas ten to one if I knew 
of it. I hope they did not serve you so with the 
oysters. The only reason I wished to know if 
you had them was if they were good, or if more 
would be acceptable to you. 

* Are these things so ?' is a very severe Poem ; 



74 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

tis said to be wrote by Dodington. I send you 
that also tomorow. I have pack up one of the 
old frames which I gave 6 pence for, it must be 
gilt over and then will be as handsome as your 
own. I am getting in all your bills. You have 
not sent your Seal to be new cut, or said if you 
had your watch. 

My dear Danvers, I am, 
most affectionately yours, 

S. O. 

I will if posible send 6 hasocks tomorow, 
there are 2 dozen of y^ ordinary ones in y^ Long 
Gallery. . . . 

Letter xxix. 

Argyle Street, June i6, 1741. 

My dear Danvers, — You need make no excuse 
for opening my letter, you very well know I 
have no secrets from you, and as it came from 
Barbados, I concluded you read them all. How- 
ever as there is another ship come in today, I 
will stay for other letters, before you need write 
about that affair. The man of war which is to 
bring them was arrived at Barbados, therefore I 
conclude them now to be upon the Sea, and that 
they will be home the latter end of July. 

Nobody is yet in your house. It is lockd up 
and y*' keys here. John goes there morning and 
night, that nobody knows but what he is in the 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 75 

house. What maid are you to have when you 
come ? for the house must be dusted against you 
come. Mary may be y' maid while you are in 
town, for in a week or ten days I shall go to 
Shannons to stay till October. 

The secret is concerning the Election. They 
are not properly chose, and there must be a new 
Election, but for godsake dont let a word drop 
about it. You are apt to leave your letters in 
the Library, and I dare not explain more, and 
even this burn imediatly. 

Lady Mary and you are very oblidging to 
accept of my good intentions, which must always 
be sincere in serving you and her, for while she 
loves you I must love her, and really do. Pray 
give her my thanks for her kind letter which 
I intended to answer this post, but have been 
prevented. 

Lord Oxford died this evening at six. Lord 
Duplin gone to Ireland, and I think leaves his 
Lady with his mother in Yorkshire. A mon- 
strous fortune she is, but with them great fortunes 
there generally is a But. The provoking boy 
has neither brought St. James nor Gazeteer. I 
have sent again, and he is gone out with all in the 

shop. 

yr. very affect., 

S. O. 

Prince and Princess are at Lord Carteret's 
to-night. . . . 



76 political and social letters of a 

Letter xxx. 

Argyle Street, Oct. lo, 1741. 

My DEAR Danvers, — I must welcome Lady- 
Mary and yourself to old Chicksands, where I 
dont doubt but you find charms you did not meet 
with at finer places. The Old Proverb says 
home is home, be it ever so homely. Indeed 
I always find it so, and really my Bandbox, for 
so I must call it, is very agreeable to me. Indeed 
you have made it so by extra ornaments I should 
never have thought off. Upon the whole, tho I 
am vexd to have you do it, yet I must thank 
you both, and own it is now a Genteel pretty 
house, and I have no wish but that it was on the 
other side Swallow Street, for I would not have 
it larorer if I could. 

Pray take care of Lady Mary . . . and let me 
know when you come. 

I have nothing to entertain you with here, but 
that it is said Lord Euston is to be married 
today. It has never come so near the time, but 
I have nevertheless heard it doubted, as indeed it 
will be till she is seen in her Bridial apparel. 
Will you be so good as to tell Mrs. Porter that 
the cake and carpet came safe a Wednesday, and 
I took the Liberty of taking y^ table out of your 
Kitchen, there are so many tables at Chick- 
sands you may bring one of those out of the 
Gallery. ... I must beg the favour you will give 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 77 

the enclosed letter to my Aunt Master yourself, 
for I would not have my mother see it, there- 
fore pray be carefull, and give it soon, because it 
wants an answer. 

The poor Pilgrims are dismal objects still. ' 
Brother Robert Byng (the poor man that is gone) 
refused ;!^iooo that was offered him for the 
Living he gave Corbets parson for nothing. 
Those are offers that are made openly, their 
being esteemed first fruits. The bond he took 
was only a form, and which he told Corbets 
parson he should never take of him, . . . what 
could be kinder in regard to Corbet, for he knew 
not the man but by his recomendation . . . but 
everyone will rail and joyne in beliefe of ill 
things. Thank God I abominate such easy faith, 
and never can believe ill of anyone till I am con- 
vinced they deserve it ! Oh, ungrateful Corbet ! 
for the sake of a dirty parson to spread such 
faulse reports ! . . . 

[Before Mrs. Osborn again takes up her pen, her two 
grandsons, George and John, are born, and the latter 
event was followed, as related in the Preface, by the 
death of Lady Mary Osborn in 1743. Lady Ann 
Jekyll and Lady Betty Archer are her sisters.] 

Letter xxxi. 

K^^^HHGTOHy February 12, 1744. 
Both your boys charming well, George quite in 
spirits, was to see Lady Ann Jekyll and Lady 



yS POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Betty Archer yesterday, behaved well at both 
place. 

For Godsake come and see what Is doing. 
The Town is in a turmoil, never was the like, 
whether truth or not in the reports that are given 
given about, I know not. The king (George II.) 
sent a message to the Parliament yesterday that 
he had undoubted intelligence of the Pretender's 
son coming to invade these Dominions. You can 
imagine how this announcement encreases the 
consternation that is felt, — men, women, not know- 
ing what to believe, such an affright never was 
before. Upon receiving the king's message, the 
Duke of Marlborough got up and moved to ad- 
dress the king that they would all stand by him 
with lives and fortunes. Lord Chesterfield said 
he was not against that, but desired an Enquiry 
first from whose ill conduct we were brought to 
this distress. Lord Lonsdale said " the Enemy 
was at our Gates. We ought all to be unanimous 
and not start such things at such a time as this. 
If a man's house was afire, he must not stay to 
enquire who did it, but use all means to stop the 
progress of it," and spoke so strong none pre- 
tended to answer him, even made Chesterfield 
look confounded, and no divisions In that House, 
but In the Commons was otherways. Pit made 
the same speach there as Chesterfield did in the 
other house, but so much more violent, that he 
was three times caled to order. The Address 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 79 

was carried 140 majority against 123, but how 
Lamentable to think we can have 123 Tray tors in 
our House. The Government is rather perplext 
with intelHgence than satisfyd, for every hour 
some or other comes. Tis certain there are two 
ffleets, one at Torbay, the other that was seen 
here. Noris saild a Tuesday to St. Helens, orders 
went after him there, and now nobody knows 
where he is saild. Tis said he is gone after 
that ffleet off Dunkirk, and that he has been in 
sight of ten sail, and fired a gun, but the truth is 
not known. This came from some Pilote. 

If Torbay ffleet is the Decoy (for one certainly 
is) then they would pour in all men and arms 
from Dunkirk, so that our coast would then be 
open to them. Letters have been intercepted 
that they are to try to land in Norfolk, Sussex, 
Essex or Kent. The alarm now grows stronger 
than it did at first. There are orders to all officers 
to repair to Rendezvous at a moment's warn- 
ing. St. James Square, Grosvenor Square, Lin- 
colns Inn ffields &c., are appointed. General 
Wentworth went from House of Commons last 
night to Harwich to meet the 6000 Dutch troupes 
we expect every day. Tis also said a ship yester- 
day brought intelligence that several sail of ffrench 
passd the Streights of Gibraltar to joyn the 
Tholon squadron. If this is true, they are in 
pain, for tis now said there is but a 20 gun frigate 
at Dunkirk and some transports. It is amazing 



8o POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

the different reports that every hour spring up, 
and tho it appears hke men in Buckeram, for 
here, there and everywhere they see many saile, 
yet it is quite a serious thing, and every creature 
in the utmost consternation. I desired brother 
Robert Osborn to write to you this night if they 
had any certain intelHgence. They Hve at the 
office (Admiralty) there are Boards held there 
sometimes at 4 in the morning. I can tell you 
no more, but there is a deall to hear. 

I am, 

your very affec. 

S. O. 

Letter xxxil 

[The Mrs. Williamson in this letter was a connection 
of the Osborns, and her husband was Deputy-Governor 
of the Tower.] 

Kensington, May 29, 1744. 

Your boys are both well . . . 

Brother Jack insted of being gone again, came 
to town a Saterday, desires me to make his 
complyments to you, sorry he just missd of you. 
Never saw him look better, says the ' Salisbury ' 
has taken good prize, will be two or three thou- 
sand pounds, some say five, but it will damp his 
joy to find Dudley (?) at home. Sure the boy 
will fly before he comes. I am almost sure I met 
him on horseback on Kensington Cawsey last 
Sunday, powdered and spruce. I have seen Mrs, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 8 1 

Williamson, she says every word the Red Ribion 

told you is false, and only to shuffle you off from 

himself. Poor Dudley still shews he only went 

to a farden school. For Godsake let all boys 

have a propper school till 12 year old at least. 

Tis terible to think when they are Captains y^ it 

will be a shame for them to write to the Admiralty. 

Poor boys, tis sad when no one belonging to them 

think Learning is necessary. I even am come to 

think if they are to be Coblers they should first 

go to Westminster. The officers that last week 

went abroad, have had a great escape from being 

cut to peices by an Ambuscade of 4000 ffrench, 

which was prevented by a Huzar finding it out, 

and swam across y^ river to discover it. I think 

they are all safe arrived at y^ Army. Tis sad the 

Dutch troops are to return. Letters yesterday 

that Sister George (Byng) mends, tho slow, but 

still in a very weak way. 

I am, 

y truly affect., 

S. O. 

Letter xxxni. 

Kensington, //(t/z^ 20, 1744. 
Both boys well, but at present Jack the best, 
for tho George is well, yet he has the print of 
four fangs in his gums that make him ffretfull 
and yallow, and sleep unquiet. I wish you had 
come a week sooner, for he lookd charming. I 



82 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

cannot say he does so now, tho he was yesterday 
at Lady Anns (Jekyll). She sent for him. 
L^ HaHfax, Lady Bab and the Burgoynes were 
there, and they all thought he lookd well, exer- 
cisd, and playd with his gun. They were all 
deverted much, and he behaved very well. The 
King certainly goes, tho not yetpublickly declared, 
but all things in the family are preparing for it. 
There is much uneasyness, for we shall be left with- 
out King, Army, or ffleet, and the Brest (?) in the 
Chanel. Ypres is taken, and tis thought Ostend, 
Nieuport and ffurness will be so by next mail. 

You will loose the cream of L"^' Anson's History, 
but if you are happy with y^ haymakers, tis as 
well. He comes here to-day to kiss hands for his 
flag. Poor Jack came to town last Tuesday, with 
his leg on a cushion, and himself bolstered up 
with pillows in the Coach. I went to him yester- 
day morning, surprized to see him hopping about 
ye room. He said he was so at himself, but that 
the Journey had been of great service, and was so 
well he would go to Winchester, Anson, &c. I 
find he was so ill at Portsmouth that no one 
expected his Life, his going to fetch Anson 
ashore had like quite to demolish him, oblidged to 
go to bed that moment, without being able to sup 
with him, or hear one of his storys. Poor Leg was 
.there, but brim full, for a considerable time held out 
well, at last the tears ran down. Everyone pittyd 
him, and did not wonder he should be so moved, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 8;^ 

for it was impossible to blot out the remembrance 
of his own fate. Anson looks well, but much 
thiner, Keppel as brown as a mahogany table. 

The fhtzwilliam match is today. Murrays to 
be at it, therefore Jack's cause cannot be heard 
which was fixd for to-day. Ffitzwilliam Coach 
is a curiosity, I think they say it is all Japan. 

I dine much at Court, wine in Ice, Creams, &c. 
Pheasant with Eggs, and Pheasant poults which 
is shamefull. Dont think but that I can dine on 
mutton when they are gone. Tomorow I dine 
with Manchester. Their table is elegant, the 
ladys I must say is the reverse, tho one may get 
a dab of Ice there too. Hanover, Montagu, 
dine with me today. I get a dish or two from 
the King's kitchen for them. 

Now they are come from Court I dont hear a 
word more to ad, therefore wish you a good 
Journey, and hope to see you Saterday. 

I am, 

yr very affect, mo. 

S. O. 

Letter xxxiv. 

[The three next letters are full of the panic created by 
the Young Pretender's Rebellion. Sir Danvers had 
joined the King's army, under the Duke of Cumberland.] 

Stratton Street, Dec. 9, 1745. 

My dear Danvers, — This will meet you so far 
south that I find my pen at Liberty to tell you all 



84 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

I know. First I have the pleasure to tell you both 
your boys are in perfect health, never had better 
spirits, . . . tho they have never been out since 
you went, an odious north-east wind so long that 
I give them your Apartment below, where they 
have room for Exercise, and keep quite well. 

Your pacquet today in your Bureau I received, 
and disposd of it as you orderd. I have wrote 
every post to you, and told you so in one of my 
letters. 

Wednesday last was the most dismal day I ever 
knew, it being believed here it was the day of 
Batle, not only myself but every mortal in terror 
for their ffriends. No one doubted the Rebel 
Army being beat, but no one knew who would be 
the perticulers to fall. By ffryday these fears were 
over, and others succeeded which seizd indeed the 
whole Town, and was I must say, a most shame- 
ful Panick, but the express that came had that 
effect upon all sorts of people, as it seemd to 
assure that the Rebels would be at Northampton 
that night, and in all probability at Barnet a 
Tuesday. The Councils sat all night, the Army 
here was forming to march. Lord Stairs was sent 
to ffinchly to mark out the Camp. The King to 
head this Army, which people that could keep 
their senses thought must cut them to peices. 
One teror added to the rest was a Letter found on 
Count St Germain, who was taken up, which came 
from the Rebel Army, and said they hoped they 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 85 

should contrive to slip the Dukes Army, and then 
make for the Capital. They did not doubt another 
Army would meet them, but when the King's 
fforces marched out of London, hoped their friends 
would have a general mass, and then the four 
Quarters rise, as he knew all togeather the 
Consternation of the whole Town is not to be 
expressd. Thousands of the Pretenders Declara- 
tions were threw about the Park and streets, every 
woman thinking where to run for safty, and every 
man getting Arms and Horses to go with the 
King, Brother Torrington among the rest. Lord 
Shannon was so good to take me and my children 
to Ashly, thinking cross the water most safe. My 
Mother to Columbines, Benet to Cooks, Brook 
Street to Pinkwell. I found a place to hide what 
was nessessary. Dr Osborn was in town, thought 
it hiorh time to remove the things from Chick- 
sands. He went down that mornino; before the 
consternation was so great and sent Thomas 
Green with your two Boxes a Sunday, which are 
now here, and .^loo from Denbigh. I beggd the 
plate to be hurried anywhere near him, for im- 
posible to trust that road by the Wagon since 
we imagind the Highlanders would be at their 
heals. However Saterday the terors vanishd, and 
then as sorry to hear the Rebels had gone back. 
We are all angry with Duke Devonshire, looo 
men that could do nothing, not even take straglers, 
for we hear they lay down like dogs when they 



86 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

came to Derby, and what up was they to run to 
Nottingham. In short we now laugh at one 
another for fearing what was the only thing to 
destroy them, which was to come on. Lord 
Sandwich we hear extream ill at Birginham. 
Lady Sandwich went down in the night a 
Saterday to him. I pitty you to be a Wagoner at 
last, however I cant but say I have much better 
spirits, knowing this will meet you at Woodstock. 

No express today of consequence, and yet we 
flatter ourselves Wade must meet with them in 
their return, tis shocking to have them go back 
and reinforce with 3000 ffresh men, which are 
ready in Scotland. 

My Brother Jacks Squadron has taken a ship 
with 210 men, most of them officers. 

The Prisoners came to the Tower a fryday, tis 
not yet clear if the Pretenders Brother is there. 
They have strong suspition still, but the Ministry 
dont choose to talk about it. Mrs Williamson 
dind with them, and has given me the description. 
None yet has been sent to see if it is him or not. 
I fancy it is of no use yet to be sure of it, but we 
are most dreadfully alarmd at this Embarkation, 
14,000 lye at Dunkirk with transports, or rather 
small ffyshing vessels, and we have a hundred 
Cutters gone to line all our coasts. 500 seamen 
came to the Admiralty a Saterday, and they 
could employ as many more, watermen and all are 
gone Some think they design to land in Nor- 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 87 

folk, and that the Rebels intended their march 
that way to meet them, but this is all conjecture. 
I have only time to give your sons duty to you. 
George dreams of you every night, wakes with 
telling where you are, and when he heard them 
talk of the Pretender coming to St James, he sighd 
and said " Where must Aunt Ann go then ? " 

Letter xxxv. 

London, December lo, 1745. 
My dear Danvers, — I wrote you a long scratch 
last night at Woodstock which I hope you have 
received. I begin this in the morning that I may 
have a litle time to tell you of more things than 
what concerns rebels. One is that the murrain 
amongst the cattel has encreased prodigiously, 
that nothing but Mutton can be bought here. I 
took the liberty to send for the Hog you had 
ffatting at Chicksands, and indeed of most things 
we eate from thence, as Butter, bacon, fowls, 
greens. Here Rabets are bad and many other 
things, so that Mr. Denbigh keeps a seperate 
account of all that comes for me, and I have 
orderd him to buy more hoggs to ffat, for mutton 
soon will be monstrous dear now no one ventures 
any other meat in their house. Lambs is fed 
with milk. I find it reaches into the Countrys. 
Thomas Green says it is among the Cattel at 
Baldock from some infected cows that passd there. 
It is at Uxbridge and many other places, many of 



88 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

them that give milk in the morning are dead at 
night. This would be a great Calamity if the 
Rebels were not a greater. 

Lady Ann has given George a blew and silver 
coat, and Jack a pink and silver, much too fine for 
them, at least it were now, when there is not a 
soul to be seen but in nightgowns and tears. For 
my part I have not stird out of my house since 
you went, not even to my mother but of a 
Sunday, tho indeed never alone. If I had any 
opposite neighbours, they would think there was 
Cabals here, since from eleven in the morning till 
12 at night, there is no rest to my doors, some to 
tell and some to hear news. My ffriends I must 
say have all been very good to me, tho such a 
month as this last have I never passd before. 

By your steering to Oxford, I should imagine 
you will return to your Bedford station. I should 
realy be glad to know how you and your men do, 
for such fatigues I fear, must try your Constitu- 
tions. I pray God Wade may meet with these 
Devils that have harazed you all at this rate. 

Letter xxxvl 

Stratton Street, May 17, 1746. 

My boys and I am got here togeather again, 

and hope it will not now be long before we see 

you. Lady Anne told me yesterday she heard 

the new Regiments would be broke next week, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 89 

tho her news is not always certain. The Dukes ^ 
Answers to both Lords and Commons are much 
spoke off as being extremely well, with a very 
modest and pretty turn in them. If they are 
printed, you shall have them. I received your 
Letter yesterday with that Perticuler enclosed 
which you desire to be put in your Scrutore 
(Escritoire ?). I have the key, and shall do it 
tomorrow. I shall send down the writings to 
Doctor Osborn next Wednesday. John being still 
lame makes me behindhand in some of your 
orders. . . . The musick shall go too if posible. 

I have not missd one post writeing, therefore 
tho you had none the day you wrote, yet I hope 
it came to you by the next. Tho George is well 
to me, yet if you see him soon you will be 
frighted, for he is not the same Child, and most 
monstrously disguised by a Wig he has got on 
to-day. His hair is cut quite close, and as soon 
as his head can be shaved, it must be so, and his 
eyebrows too. He walks like a rickety child, in 
short I dont wish you to see him this two months, 
even his voice is quite alterd, and does not speak 
so plain as when you left him, but all these things 
are common from the weakness his Ilness reduced 
him too. He has as good if not better spirits 
than ever, but is very pevish. Jack looks like a 
ghost, but yet he is bright and in good spirits, 
and they say time will bring it all right again. . . . 

' Duke of Cumberland. 



90 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

The Burgoynes look as bad, and so indeed do 
the ffieldings, they lodge next door to us here. 
They lay great fault upon Sir Roger — they are 
all gone down to Sutton. 

I am, y' very affec, 
S. O. 

Letter xxxvil 

Kensington, /««^ 14, 1746. 

The wind is still in the Duke of Bedfords 
teeth, and he no farther than Yarmouth. It also 
keeps the Prince of Hesse here, he does not go 
till he hears his Troupes are Landed. He is 
called the drop to Lady Rochfords earring. 

Thursday last was expected to be a day of 
Batle in the House of Lords on sending our 
Troupes abroad, but there proved to be only two 
speakers. Lord Lonsdale, who spoke an hour 
against it, and was so well answered by the Duke 
of Newcastle, that no one else attempted to say 
more, and the expected long day proved to be a 
very short one. 

Tis thought twill be August before the Lords 
can be tryd. After some forms are past, the 
Peers must have 20 days notice. Lady Cromarty 
is in town, has been at the Tower to enquire 
after her Lord. She was at Williamsons, and 
cryd most bitterly, but no one is sufferd so much 
as to look up at the windows. They were all 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 9 1 

brought into Williamsons, and from thence one 
by one conducted to their appartment. No one 
knows where the other is, and they are kept 
prodigious strict. Sure the King of ffrance has 
orderd a most insolent Letter, and takes himself 
to be King of England, to forbid our punishing 
the Rebels. 

Is the Pretender got off or not ? I wish they 
could have been beheaded at Edinburgh, and not 
make such a long peice of work as the forms will 
do here, tis thought the Parliament will set till 
August. I was not used to a Lodging, and 
therfore not aware how sharp they are, but 
found my bills most immoderate, which my people 
told me they could not turn their backs but meat, 
bread, butter, &c., was stole away. I really 
believe they have keys themselves to take what 
is lockd when they have oppertunity. There 
was only y^ woman and girl in the house, but her 
husband and family live vere near, and I daresay 
was all kept, but when mother was to come, I 
askd if she would leave the house to us, which 
she did, and now she is out, I shall keep her so 
after mother goes, for it was intollerable. Indeed 
I believe it would have been much cheaper to have 
gone to Chicksands, eight guineas for lodging, and 
living has been very dear ever since we came. 

Your son George lost his heart yesterday, A 
miss who came to visit next door, came in the 
Garden to him. He lookd at her first with sur- 



92 



POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 



prise, then slyly lead her to the Arbor where I 
was setting, and desired me to set her up by him, 
which I did. After he had looked at her some 
time, he strokd her face, and kissd her, he then 
shewd her his watch, gatherd a rose, and brought 
it to her. You would have dyed with laughing 
to see the courtship. There was another girl not 
half so handsome, he never took the least notice 
of her, but Jack kissd them both, and was happy 
with either. As soon as George was up this 
morning, he desired to go into the garden to see 
if miss was there, a good fine girl indeed she Is. 

By a letter from Bath, Aunt Ann Master is 
better already, all the yallow gone from her eyes 
and skin. ... I hope she will do well, her Loss 
would be irreparable to my mother, who is chear- 
full and easy here, tho a sad place for her to be in. 
There was a farmhouse that with a coach would 
have been very agreeable, but without one very 
inconvenient. I now wish to have it, but it is let. 
We go out airing every day, and your boys 
with us. . . . 

Letter xxxviii. 



[This letter is written immediately after the death of 
Sarah's brother George, third Viscount Torrington. The 
"Brother Byng" referred to is her youngest brother 
Edward. " Daniel " is probably a brother of George's 
widow, whose family name it was. It appears that 
Lord Torrington in his will has bequeathed the London 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 93 

house to her, and Sarah is indignant that her mother 
should, at her age, be forced to give it up. She writes 
to Sir Danvers to beg him to use his influence on her 
behalf.] 

Stratton Street, April 8, 1750. 

I cannot help sending to you. My Brother 
Byng came to town this morning, seems much 
out of sorts that he is not namd, Is glad you are, 
that some one who has regard for the family Is, 
outragious that the house is given to sister to 
have It took from Mother for that purpose. 
Daniel I fear has been too stiff with him. He 
askd Daniel what was Mother to do. He said he 
did not know. " Sure she Is not to be turnd out 
when she can live so short a time." He said 
house was to be let. 

For God sake make my sister and Daniel 
sensible they should not disoblidge him. He 
seems varstly netled with Daniel. I think he 
will act the lawyer and not the gentleman. Sure 
they must live as they do for at least one twelve- 
month, some credit to be thought off, some 
decency in regard to my mother. She should not 
be tossd about, cannot live long. Brother Byng 
talks of going down soon again, and therefore I 
do this that you may prepare Daniel, for If he 
and sister do not think It worth while to oblidge 
and give way In some measure, Bro. Byng will 
forget he has that nephew. As he says, his 
Brother forgot there was such an individual as 



94 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

himself. They may endeavour, but it will not be 
posible to let the house, they should at least offer 
him to be the person. He would like it I dare- 
say, on his own terms, which would be perhaps, to 
keep it up, and he would keep Mother in it, at least 
till farther consideration. Let sister go to Yotes if 
she likes it, but Mother must not be disgracefully 
hurried about. Daniels surly temper will ruin 
his nephew, if he dont take care. You must 
soften it. 

Are your boys to have grey, and who must 
make it for them ? George puts on the man 
I assure you, looks and is very well. He set 
down imediatly to write this as soon as he came 
home. He got a gramar in your room, and all 
done before I saw it, ruled it himself as you see, 
and being so awry, I ruled a paper for him, and 
he wrote it again this morning. He will go to 
Mrs. Hawkins tonight — says he got a place by 
telling a boy a word he did not know. 

For God sake take care Mother. Consider she 
is 80. Aunt Martha very ill, St. Anthonys fire. 

I am, y"" very affect., 

S. O. 

Letter xxxix. 

London, October 14, 1750. 

Chicksands Affaires. 

Halkins and Pears have finishd all you orderd. 
The roof could not be done before Harvest, the 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 95 

fear of weather spoiling the ceiHngs oblldged me 
to let them be ten days In the Harvest to finish it. 

The Bedchamber, drawlngroom, and antyroom 
floors are laid, but not planed, as there will be 
whitewashing and painting, &c., next year. 
Everyone and even Pears himself said it was 
better it should be the last thing done. The 
staires are done, and Brome Closet put up on 
them, also the Corner Dressingroom, and bords 
put to the windows there. The antiroom and 
drawingroom chimneys are finished, and all the 
windows as you orderd. The antiroom chimney 
does not smoke, the other I did not try. 

The chimney wall in the little green room was 
not dry enough to put up the green paper. 

The Tapistry is packd up in the Gallery for you 
to approve. I could not undertake to finish it 
without your oppinion. There is enough for one 
side and both ends, and if you would give up any 
carpets, near half enough for the other side. 
Bradshaw says he has some will match y' will 
come as cheap as paper. The pictures are all 
collected together and packd up in the antiroom, 
except the one over your Harpsichord, which I 
did not care to remove. Lady Temple is there, 
also the Scripture piece removed from this parlour, 
and from being a cut-throat room, will I daresay 
when finished, be the most agreeable one in 
the house. Many that were at Chicksands this 
summer said that -J length philosopher, as we 



96 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

calld it, was a very good one. A person who 
knew it said it was Dun Scotus, a very learned 
man, who livd in the 14 Century, as is known by 
manuscript of his own at Oxford. 

There is no tapistry behind the Reformers in 
the Bedchamber, therefore they remain as they 
were. 

The Library is very well cleand, some books 
there was spoilt with mould. 

Murthers od Jobs were double what you 
expected, and the Carpender did not end till 
Michaelmas day, and came to more also, the one 
3 shillings and the other 4 shillings. Extra- 
ordinary. No fresh order to either, only finishd 
what you orderd. All is paid to the day I came 
away, and no Workman left there. 

I sent George up with George Byng, who 
came down with him, and spent the Holydays at 
Chicksands. Lord Torrington, Robert Byng and 
Bullock, and K. Scott were at Southill, so they 
all came and went together, and was exact to the 
school time. I stayd a fortnight after to see all 
clean. Everything left perpectly so when I came 
away, but you must not expect it will keep from 
vermin without a maid in it. Mary Meagar who 
married from me last year has offerd her services, 
and was when with me a very good servant, but I 
could say to her no more than that ... I would 
recommend her if you took any one. Indeed 
your house will suffer more than six times her 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 97 

wages, and even now that only four men are left, 
they must hire to wash, etc. 

19 July. Nat went to Southill at six in the 
morning to have Toby shod. A shepherd and 
dog came short from a hedg upon him, he started 
and threw the boy, who lay some time not able to 
stir. The horse ran away, got his foot in the 
bridle which throwd him down just at Southill 
gate. Cut his knees terribly, not able for Mr. 
Denbigh to ride till the week I came away. 

The same evening Thom Green rode Magot to 
water, and led the blind one, who soon began to 
plunge and turn round several times (has done so 
before in the stable, and had been blooded). 
Green at last oblidged to quit the halter. The 
workmen and all ran to help, but could not save 
him or get him out till he was dead. The same 
day the grey horse was taken with a fever. Ben 
Squire attended him 3 weeks and then he dyed. 
Many people lost horses, such heat was hardly 
ever rememberd, and they would Avork them in 
the midle of the day as usal. I then said we 
should kill all the horses if they would do so, but 
women are fools. I am unlucky in foreseeing 
events I cannot prevent. The workmen tyling, 
were like poor Creatures on a Gridyron, so spent, 
oblidged to change the hours, and work early and 
late, Nutkins himself at 2 in the morning. But the 
poor horses could not groan out their suffering. 
Such extreme heat for so long were very unusal. 

G 



98 political and social letters of a 

Letter xl. 

[This letter is in the form of a Journal, and relates all 
events between May and October 1750.] 

Jtme 23. — Captain Sheldon took a house 
ready furnished at Ampthill for six guineas 
a year. 

Jtdy 6. — Mr. Pecks dyed of a mortification, 
lifting a person over a gate. Her pocket 
hitched upon it, which he prest upon to 
prevent her falling, and a small key burst 
through his body. 

Jtdy 10, II, 13. — The most extream heat 
ever known in England, and indeed for ten 
days continued to a high degree. 

Jidy 16. — The most terible thunder and 
lightening I ever heard. Hailstones as large 
as pigeons eggs, some at Shefford three 
inches round. 

Aug. I. — Lady Torrington a month at 
Votes, her mother ill, but old women dont 
dye. 

Atig. 8. — Duke of Richmond dyed of violent 
fever, twas said from the excessive heat at 
Installation. He has left all his houses and 
everything to the Dutches. Mr. ffox has 
behaved like an angel to her, shared all her 
afflictions and troubles. [Mr. Fox, afterwards 
Lord Holland, had married the Duke's 
second daughter.] Such maloncholy scenes 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 99 

have been there, is not to be repeated. 
How short is our Light ! The daughter 
[Duchess of Leinster] married to ambitious 
views is a thorn in her side, while that which 
disobHdged her, and was never to expect 
forgiveness, turns out her great and only- 
comfort, both her and him showing the 
greatest tenderness. 

Atcg. 14. — Admiral Byng thrown down in 
his park by a buck . . . now gone to Bath, 
and surprizingly recovered. 

Brother Peter Osborn is 2nd Captain of 
Greenwich Hospital, j£200 a year, an apart- 
ment there, coals, candle, brooms, etc. Prince 
and Princess of Wales three days at Ports- 
mouth Dock. They were highly honourd 
by their civilitys, left 30 gineas to the servants. 

Sep. — Mr. Alston to marry Miss Bovey. 
She is 19, has ;^i5oo a year, and ^10,000 
in money, which Sir Rowland takes and 
setles Odell and ^1700 a year in present. 
Land wont pay batchelor Debts, and od Jobs, 
weding expenses, and fit up Odel, and then 
must be crampt for life. An Upholster was 
sent down to ffurnish her house at Slow, 
where they are at present. 

Harry Legg married to Lord S towels 
daughter, at present Heiress Aparent to 
;^6ooo a year. 

Burgoyn has the Measels at Eton, is now 



100 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

brought down to Sutton, very far from 
well. 

Earthquakes in Northamptonshire, Leices- 
tershire, and the adjacent Counties. Lord 
Halifax felt it at Horton, Lord Northampton 
at his house, Mr. Wright at his. No damage 
done, but it is very unpleasent to find the 
earth as unquiet as ourselves. I am very 
sure it was about the same time at Chick- 
sands, none but my self awake in the 
house, and therefore none sensible of it, 
the Jog and Ratle of the Windows the 
same of that in London. I own I was alarmd, 
got up and found it 2 o'clock, but none 
else has yet said it was felt in Bedford- 
shire. 

Ocf. — Lady Caroline Collier to have Sir 
Nathanael Carsons son. Lathams mother 
dead and Medcalf aunt. Eldest Miss 
Hotham dead. 

Lady Hervey and her son, the Captain, 
gone to live at Paris, taken a house for 2 
year. I wish I could buy her house in the 
Park, they say it is to be sold. You will 
think it a mad wish. 

Lord and Lady Halifax in town, neither of 
them well. 

Lady Ann and her dear gone a progress 
into the North. Lumley Castle designd 
for Scotland, but I hear are returning. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. lOI 

Lady Betty in Warwickshire very far from 
well. 

Lady Bab at Bath, her Miss Robinsons 
Mr. Scot is made Preceptor to Prince 
George, and tis said Lord North his Gover- 
nor, but I am told he is not to be calld so, 
and sure upon no other foot he can serve him. 

The Doctor (Osborn) is going the high road 
after his sister Betty if some care is not taken, he 
ownd to me his Life was a burden he was not 
able to bear, and many things when we meet will 
confirm my fears. Love and preferment on the 
foundations. God knows how it will end. Som- 
thing should be done to take him from the present 
scene. 

One of the Wandesford's married, the other 
going to live with Sister Margaret. Southill, 
Bennet Street, and all else I think as you left 
them, as is 

yr. affect. 

Tis thought the King will be here next month, 
and no Parliament till after Xmas. The town 
is a desart, therefore see no Creature that knows 
truth. 

Lord Plymouth married, poor girl, is it posible 
she can be happy ? Your boys both very well, 
long for your return, send Duty. 

Mr. Beacher struck with dead palsie the day 
before I left Bedfordshire, but dont hear yet he is 
dead. 



I02 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

I forget If Brownsel dyed before you went, and 
left all to Orlebar. 

You dont like letters, therefore only send you 
a sort of Journal. 

Letter xli. 

Stratton Street, April % 175 1. 

George has been extremely ill since Sunday. 
I could no longer than that day defer sending for 
Cox. Both he and I, who indeed have no judg- 
ment, thought him very bad ... he greatly 
relievd him, ... at night he was blisterd and 
is better today, and at present in no danger, tho 
not yet able to Lift his head from the pillow. 

This has been repeated neglected colds. Two 
guineas a month ago had saved many now, for 
this is attended with much expence. Cox has 
had 3 guineas already, and been here twice a day 
for it. Guy and Hicks with blisters, Bleeding, 
etc. Latham's illness has been terrible too, and 
most unlucky at this time, not yet out of her bed, 
except an hour or two in the day. Master John 
has a dreadfull bourse Cough, but hope to prevent 
his being ill. Asses milk has already made him 
better, and no one able to be about them but my 
self, who should be in bed too, if old fashion 
affection did not keep me in their service, for 
there is much more to do than you imagine. 
George is in your bed. Jack in mine. Sister 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. IO3 

Margaret Osborn set up last night, and today I 
have got Sympson, for I have not been in bed 
two hours at a time these 5 nights. Tis un- 
lucky to employ so many people, but no remedy 
now. All this will incur your farther displeasure, 
but I am unable to help it. When they are in 
other hands, I hope many expenses will be saved, 
tho I wish you may not find experiments of their 
Constitutions fatal. 

I am, y"" affect. 

S. O. 

Letter xlii. 

Stratton Street, May 28, 175 1. 

The duel which was in the papers last Satur- 
day is a most malancholy affaire. Mr. Dalton 
was very soon to marry one of the Miss Greens, 
and a snuff box which he had given her was 
taken from her by Mr. Paul, who told her she 
took so much snuff that he would keep it. 
Dalton said he insisted he should not, but give 
it to him, so from Jest to Earnest wrested it out 
of his hand, and Miss Green had her box re- 
turnd. At night Paul went to Dalton's house in 
Hill Street, not finding him at home, he sat down 
in his Parlour, wrote a letter in which he said he 
had used him rufBey, and that he expected he 
should ask his pardon, or give him satisfaction 
like a gentleman, and sent his Servant with it 
where he suppd, and to say that he should wait 



I04 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

there till he came home, which he immediately 
did. Both their chairs waited at the door, and 
they sent the Servant to stay in the Kitchen till 
they calld, and not to let anyone in that knockd. 
Dalton said, if they must fight, the present time 
was best, so drawd their swords. In the scufle 
the Candles and Tables were thrown down, and 
one of them said, *' Don't let us fight in the dark, 
peace till we fetch the Candle out of the Hall," 
but it was soon over, and Paul went out of the 
door, gave his chairmen 2 shillings to discharge 
them, and went for Hawkins the surgeon (the 
only circumstance in his favour) to go for Dalton, 
for he believd he had killd him, then run to Lord 
Ravensworth to tell him his misfortune, who 
advised him to get off directly. Tis only from 
what he told Lord Ravensworth that the above 
perticulers are known, for the poor man never 
spoke. Upon the street door shutting, the 
Servant ran up, found his master stone dead upon 
the flour. He ran to Mr. Wright in Groves 
Street, who was Daltons uncle, they sent for 
Midleton, who came ten minits before Hawkins, 
therefore suspected Paul did not go to Hawkins 
till he was advised to do so. They found the 
Challenge in Dalton's pocket, and the appearance 
of a very unfair Wound, it being on the contrary 
side of his heart and lungs. The swords both lay 
by him. Dalton's was much hackd, and all 
Tallow. He knew nothing of a sword, and the 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. IO5 

Other fenced well, nevertheless most people think 
he had the mortal wound after he was down, tho 
the Surgeons endeavour to make it posible to be 
otherways. The Coroners Inquest was not 
finished till last night, and brought it in Wilful! 
Murder. 

Daltons father lost another son this week of 
the small pox, and Miss Green has neither shut 
her eyes, or spoke since. I pitty Paul's parents, but 
he did this too premeditated to escape hanging. 

Miss Bishopp is to have Sir William Maynhard. 
He setles very handsom, desires no present 
fortune, but to have her share with the others 
when Sir Cecil dyes. I daresay she will make him 
a good wife. Gratitude ought to make her do it. 

This is Sir Cecils lucky year. His mother has 
dyed, by whom he has got ^2000 a year, he has 
also a place of ^500 a year in y^ Ordanance, his 
son Page to the Prince of Wales, and his daughter 
to be soon so well married. 

Large familys in general are more lucky than 
small ones. Too much anxiety is not pleasing to 
Heaven, I hardly ever knew it succeed. Self, 
self, self can never prosper, for Happy ness or 
Content is not to be purchased by Money. 

Letter xlih. 

London, /z/«^ 19, 175 1. 
George is as much better as posible. He set 
in my Dressingroom yesterday, and today has 



I06 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

been in the Park, is weak but well, eates and 
sleeps, and therefore I hope will be fit for school 
Sunday evening. I went to Westminster last 
night, found poor Jack in tears, had been taken 
ill about half an hour. ... I am an unfortu- 
nate mortal, always run into the mouth of some 
ill luck or other, and therefore instink carryd me 
down to see him — you three divide my heart, 
therefore if you think I shall be too far from them, 
I will not go to Brother Byng this summer. 

I conclude I may send for Master John to 
dinner on Sunday. I shall send again to know 

how he is. 

I am y"^ affect. 

S. O. 

I have seen the plan of Lord Berkeleys 
Ground. It is 120 feet deep, and Stables is 
to be where Philips says, but you see I pay the 
ground rent of those stables. . . . 

George is gone, sends his Duty, but says he 
must not write to you till Saterday. 

Letter xliv. 

Stratton Street, /?<«^ 29, 175 1. 

Both your sons are very well, I sent John this 
evening. They dine at Sister Byngs tomorrow. 
I conclude you gave them order if you would have 
them write to you. 

Mr. King, my landlord, has his new house just 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. IO7 

finished, entirely burnt down, tis thought to be 
maliciously done. I suppose the workmen were 
disoblidged that he had not been generous to 
them. Tis terible we are brought to be subject 
to the mob. 

Lord Tilney went from Wansted, as his family 
thought to London for a few days, but he wrote 
to his sister from thence that he was going to 
Paris and perhaps to Italy for three years. The 
town says he is gone with Lord Southwell and 
Strickland to Spaa, and that they will fill their 
pockets before they part with him. 

The Princess of Wales returns to Leicester 
House tomorrow. 

I am, y*" affect. 

S. O. 

Letter xlv. 
Stratton Street, /?^/^ 30, 1751. 

My dear Danvers, — I have a persentiment of 
coming evil ... to our family, why I know not, 
but tis to be hoped I am mistaken. We have 
had enough, God knows, but if it comes, we must 
meet it with fortitude and resignation. At present 
we are all well here. 

Lord and Lady Torrington and Daniel came 
to Kit's End by ten a Sunday, and he stayd there 
last night, and dind with Sister Torrington at 
Hendon. Tis to be much hoped that they went 
an well together, and that she held her tongue 



loS POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

in check. Women somtimes find it hard to do 
SO, they say, tho I dont find it so. 

Sister Torrinofton is aofain ill with some dis- 
tressing indisposition, kept her bed Saterday and 
Sunday, but is better. Sister Torrington returnd 
to Southill today in Brothers Chariot to Stevenage, 
but they would not let her go alone, so Ned, tho 
very bad, was goodnatured and went with her. 
They were to take postchaise from Stevenage, 
and after he had baited himself and horses, he 
returns the same way to Stevenage, and then in 
Brothers Chariot home. 

I cannot say Sister Margaret Osborn met with 
so much complaisance, for the Doctor forgot to 
send his Chariot, that when she came to Wellwyn 
she was distressd, and oblidged to take a post- 
chaise to Stevenage, and there was none to come 
farther, but one that the poor horses were just 
come in and tyerd. However she and the 
postillions came along, and I suppose she had 
not a joyful meeting with the Doctor, for both 
would be out of humour. I must say it was a 
very disagreeable thing to go alone in that manner, 
but there is a ruffness in the blood of the Osborns 
that one does not generally meet with. Duke of St. 
Albans dyed a Saterday. Some give the Constable 
of Windsor to the Duke, as it greatly interferes 
with the fforest, and all his Teritorys there about. 

There is not a silable of news, at least that I 
hear. The Town is now empty, and I have not 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. IO9 

seen a soul except Brother Byng. This morning 
he brought nephew Torrington as he was carry- 
ing him to school. He desired me to say that he 
fears Joynes has forgot the model of your large 
roler, he beggs you will refresh his memory. 

He believes he shall go to Southill for few days 
at Bartholomews, to carry the boy, and then he will 
give him somthing, but he did not bid me say so. 

You will be tyerd reading nonsense from 
your very affec. Mother, 

S. O. 

Letter xlvi, 
Chicksands, September I, 175 1. 

The reason I trouble you with this is only being 
Brother Byngs secretary. He intends spending 
a week at Southill, and my sister Byng is to go 
with him there. If it suit your schemes to have all 
the boys come up as they went down, he will pay 
half the Coach, and sister and he go down in it to 
Southill. This is no proposition of mine, and I 
wish they would write their own letters, and not 
trouble me with what I have nothing to do. 

He also desires to know what day you fix for 
the boys to come, that they may be ready to 
your time. They propose a postchaise back to 
Stevenage, but that I have no commission to say, 
and indeed needless to ad that a large coach and 
cold weather Latham might squeeze in. To 
oblidge you I shall not be of their partie. I 



no POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

wish you would let George ad in his letter to me 
that you had received Hardings note from me. . . , 

Sunday Brother Edward went to Kits End for 
some time, and I with him for a few hours visite. 
I never see the owner better, quite happy there, 
talks of keeping it warm the whole winter, spends 
his time chearfull, and comfortable with his Old 
Dame as he calls her. Whats matter what it is ? 
If people can be happy at pushpin, tis as enter- 
taining to them as the most refind satisfaction to 
those of a more exalted genius. Since happyness 
is not confind to any situation, and it is a very 
vain pursuit, I conclude it praiseworthy to let the 
mind fall till it sinks into nothing, and forget what 
God created us for. 

Poor Edward I left there, I think worse than 
ever I saw him. He says he went ill to Danbury, 
and was so all the time he was there. I am sure 
was very bad all the week he was in town, . . . 
cannot eate, or has strength or spirit left. Wether 
the Old Dame can nurse him up or not I cannot 
say, but tis maloncholy to see him so. Insted of 
growing hardend as I grow older, I every day 
find myself less fit for this world. Such a crowd 
of disagreeable reflections pressd upon me as I 
returnd from my visite, that I cannot even yet 
shake off the effect of it from my mind. 
I am and must ever be, 

your very affectionate Mother, 

S. OSBORN. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. Ill 

Lady Pembroke to marry Captain Barnet of 
the Gards, a very agreeable man, some thousands 
less than nothing, but her lord left her ;^I200 to 
assist him. Thanks for the cowcumbers. 

Letter xlvii. 

Stratton Street, Oct. 3, 175 1. 
I believe I shall not set out for Southill till near 
Wednesday, unless worse letters should come from 
there, so that if it is convenient to you to send a 
horse for John to Hatfield on Tuesday, I should 
be oblidged to you, but don't do it without it is so. 
If we find one there, it is well ; if not, that will be 
well too. What slow journeys we make in these 
days ! It takes days to get to where our wishes 
are to be. Will it always be so ? 

Poor Edward still ill , . . tis shocking to see 
all our family going before one. How few left ! 

The Admiral here, and pretty well, desires 
me to ad his respects, with the affection of 

yours, 

S. O. 

I am now 58 yeares old, wishing time to be no 
more, but that must be as Heaven decrees. 

[This is the last letter of Mrs. Osborn to her son. 
Indeed, it is the last letter of hers fornearly fifteen years. 
Sir Danvers died in 1753, and the next time Sarah 
resumes her pen, it is to address her grandson. But 
before passing on to this period, it becomes necessary to 



112 POLITICAL and' SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

introduce the sad story of her unfortunate brother, 
Admiral Byng.] 



Although the trial and execution of Admiral 
Byng are matters of history, and as such are 
familiar to most of us, it will not be thought out 
of place to give here a brief account of the 
circumstances connected with them. In the year 
1756, when repeated advice had been received at 
London that the French meditated a descent upon 
the island of Minorca, Admiral Byng was selected 
to command a fleet for the defence of that place. 
I quote the rest from Macaulay, who was a warm 
partisan of the Admiral's, and defended his con- 
duct throughout. *' The Admiral . . . did not 
think fit to engage the French squadron, and 
sailed back without having effected his purpose. 
The people were inflamed to madness . . . the 
city of London called for vengeance . . . the 
people were not in a mood to be trifled with . . . 
their cry was for blood." 

Minorca fell into the hands of the French, and 
Admiral Byng was brought back to England, tried 
by court martial, acquitted of the charges of 
cowardice and disaffection, but convicted of an 
error in judgment. He was sentenced to be shot, 
but with a strong recommendation to mercy. In 
spite of the popular clamour against him, a large 
number of people espoused his cause, and threw 
the blame of the disaster on the Ministry, for 




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Sf^e^W? 



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0,ef. ^^?^-iM^ ^ 



.^ Frrr.f an Pn'gt'nut i 

1 the Portrait. Friendftiip feeKs Reli* 
: Semblance ferves but to perpetuate Gr 



jij*^ The pncild Phantorr 
Whofe Blood proclaii 



ihy Foes ihall A^ve. 
iiier Martyrdom of L.i 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I 1 3 

having provided him with a fleet quite inadequate 
to the task imposed on him. Pitt pleaded his 
cause in person with the King, and reported that 
the House of Commons seemed inclined to mercy. 
Macaulay gives the King's answer. " Sir," he 
said, " you have taught me to look for the sense 
of my people in other places than the House of 
Commons." It was evident that there was to be 
no reprieve for Byng, and his sentence was carried 
out on March 14, 1757, on board the Monarque, 
where he met his fate with great courage. The 
accompanying testimonial to his reputation, written 
to M. Voltaire by the Duke of Richlieu, who 
commanded the French forces on that occasion, 
in which he asserts that the English fleet would 
have certainly been destroyed had it persisted in 
an attack, is of great weight as coming from so 
competent a judge. 

M. Voltaire himself enclosed it to Admiral 
Byng, and the letter is dated January 2nd, 1757, 
written from his retreat at Les Delices, near 
Geneva. The original is at Chicksands Priory. 

Sir, — Tho' I am almost unknown to you, I 
think tis my duty to send you the copy of the 
letter which I have just received from the 
Marshall Duke of Richlieu. Honour, humanity, 
and equity order me to convey it into your hands. 
This noble and unexpected testimony from one of 
the most candid, as well as the most generous of 

H 



114 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

my countrymen, makes me presume your Judges 
will do you the same justice. 
I am, with respect, 

your most humble obedient Servant, 

Voltaire. 

Copy of the Due de Richlieu's letter, written at Paris, 
December 26, 1756. 

*' Le sort de I'Amlral Byng me fait grand pitie. 
Je vous assure que tout ce que j'a vH et scti de 
lui ne devoit tourner qu' a sa gloire : elle ne doit 
point etre attaquee quand on a ^te batt6, apres 
avoir fait tout ce qu'on pouvoit attendre. II faut 
bien que quand deux honnetes gens se battent, 
il y en ait un qui oie du Desavantage, sans que 
cela lui faire tort. Toutes les manoeuvres de 
I'Amlral Byng ont ete admirables, au dire naturel 
de tous nos marines, les Forces etoient au moins 
egalles, puis que les Anglois avoient treize Vais- 
seaux, et que nous en avions douze avec des 
Equipages plus nombreux et plus fraix. Le Hazard 
qui preside a tous les combats, et surtout a ceux de 
mer, nous fat plus favorable en envoyant plus de nos 
Boulets dans les Manoeuvres des Anglois, et il 
me semble qu'il est generallement reconnu qui si 
les Anglois s etoient obstines, leur Flotte auroit 
ete perdue, de sorte qu'il n'y a jamais en d'Injustice 
plus criante que celle qu'on voudroit faire a 
I'Amiral Byng, et tout nomme d'honneur et tout 
militaire surtout doit s'y interresser." 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I I $ 

Marshal Richlieu and Monsieur Voltaire both 
received an acknowledgment of their kindness 
from Admiral Byng before his death. It was in 
reference to Admiral Byng that Voltaire made his 
well-known remark, that he was condemned to be 
shot "pour encourager les autres." Another tribute 
to his memory was that of the sailor, who, on 
seeing his dead body, exclaimed, " There lies the 
best and bravest officer of the navy." 



The three following documents, consisting of two 
letters written by Mrs. Osborn to the Duke of Bedford, 
and also her appeal to the Lords of the Admiralty, I 
have the permission of the present Duke of Bedford to 
include in this volume, as well as the Duke's reply to 
her first petition, which was very guarded in his promise 
of assistance. 

[Copy.] 

Charles Street, Berkeley Square, 

Fed. 5, 1757. 

My Lord, — The present distress of our family 
must plead with your Grace for my attempting to 
intrude on your quiet hour^ at Wooburn, to 
represent our own melancholy situation, tho my 
unhappy Brother's fate will, I hope, sufficiently 
justify an application to one of the Duke of Bed- 
ford's character, even yet I should not have 
dared to have troubled your Grace, were not 



I 1 6 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

my Brother's sufferings already such, as scarce 
any crime could have imposed. Ignominiously 
suspended, most ignominiously aspersed, and in- 
humanely traduced, throughout the World, on 
suppositions which his family must have shared 
the disgrace of, and from which not even his 
father's services to this nation could have afforded 
a shadow of refuge, had they not been as amply 
disproved, and he as justly acquitted of 

Under these Circumstances, may I implore 
your Grace to consider the Sentence he lyes 
under, which is generally thought as Illegal as 
Severe — my nephew Torrington has therefore 
venturd to Petition the King in his favour, and 
as we are informed this extraordinary case may 
be referd to the Cabinet Council, we hope it will 
be at a time when your Grace is present, if we 
are so fortunate as to have that so, we entreat 
your compassion, and known disposition to Justice 
may Unite in Leaning towards that Mercy which 
has been so earnestly recommended by the Court 
Martial. Your Grace's family lost one of the 
noblest blossoms from unjust Oppression, to whom 
then can I better address myself than to one, who 
in every Action of Life has show'd a detestation 
of it in what-soever shape it has appeared. 

Pitty, my Lord, a distressed Sister, surrounded 
only by weeping females, and helpless Boys, who 
will all owe gratefull acknowledgements of their 
future happyness to the influence the Duke of 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. II7 

Bedford must always have, when Justice and 
Mercy are the objects of his care. 

I am, my Lord Duke, 
Your Grace's most obedient Servant, 

(Signed) S. Osborn. 

The above is extracted from Bedford Papers, vol. 
xxxiii. fol. 6"]. To which the answer was as follows : — 

Madam, — I am but just able, thro' extreme 
weakness of my right Hand occasioned by the 
Gout, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. 
All I can at present say in answer to it, is, that in 
case His Majesty shall be pleased to refer the 
sentence of the Court Martial to His Cabinet 
Council, nothing but absolute incapacity on 
account of health shall prevent my attending it, 
and I shall be very happy if upon a strict exa- 
mination into the proceedings of the Court 
Martial, I shall find myself at liberty to adopt 
those sentiments of mercy which that Court has 
so strongly recommended to His Majesty, as no 
one has a more real regard for yourself and Lord 
Torrington and his family than myself. 

I am, your sincere and humble Servant, 

Bedford. 

[Copy.] 
Extracted from the Bedford Papers, vol. xxxiii. fol. Z6. 
My Lord, — Your Grace's friendly reception of 
me the other day, and the concern you was pleased 



I 1 5 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

to express for my unfortunate Brother, encourages 
me to enclose to your Grace the Letter I sent 
yesterday to the Lords of the Admiralty as the 
last efforts with their Lordships that an unhappy 
sister can make. The reasons I have troubled 
them with in my Brother's behalf are briefly 
stated, but I hope your Grace will think they 
have their weight ; indeed, my Lord, it is terrible 
to think of my poor Brother's execution being 
orderd in consequence of a sentence in a great 
degree appeald from by those who passd it, not 
understood by the world, and passd under a Law 
doubtfull and unexplained. The hardship of my 
Brother's approaching fate is every hour more and 
more felt, tho' I have never yet heard of the Case 
having been laid before his Majesty with the 
alleviating circumstances that attend it. A cruel 
and false notion that his Majesty is disinclyned to 
mercy on this occasion has probably prevented it. 
I have no right, God knows, my Lord, to ask 
any such favour of your Grace, but as you are a 
Friend to Justice, to truth and to mercy, and if I 
may venture to add, a friend to our afflicted family, 
I flatter my self that any steps your Grace shall 
think propper to take in the obtaining his Majesty's 
mercy, or at least, clearing up this dark affair, may 
at the same time, as it saves my innocent Brother's 
Life, to which tho' he himself may be indifferent, 
his unfortunate sister wishes to preserve, may do 
eternal honour to your Grace's Name. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. IIQ 

It may be propper to inform your Grace that 
Admiral fforbes refused signing the order for 
execution, and has given given Lord Temple his 
reasons in writing for such refusal which he has 
desired him to lay before the King. 
I am, 

my Lord Duke, 

your Grace's most Oblidged and obedient 

Humble Servant, 

(Signed) S. Osborn. 

Charles Street, Berkeley Square, 
ffryday morning, Feb. i8. 

Copy of a Letter inclosed in that of the Hon^'^ Mrs. 
Osborn (dated Feb. i8, 1757), relating to Admiral 
Byng's sentence : — 

My Lords,— The Judges having reported to 
his Majesty in Council, that the sentence passed 
on my unfortunate Brother is a legal one, permit 
me to implore your Lordships' Intercession with 
his Majesty for his most gracious mercy, and to 
hope your Lordships will not think an afflicted 
sister's application ill founded in a case so hardly 
circumstanced, and which the Judges (tho' by the 
Severity of the Law they have thought them- 
selves obliged to pronounce the fatal Sentence) 
have recommended to your Lordships' Humanity, 
to the Justice I will not presume to add ; tho' in 
their Letter to your Lordships they say that in 



I20 POIJTICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Justice to the Prisoner as well as for their own 
conscience's sake they recommend him to his 
Majesty's mercy. 

The Court Martial, my Lords, seem to have 
acquitted my unhappy Brother of Cowardice and 
disaffection, and therefore it is presumed he stands 
sentenced under the Head of Negligence. It is 
not fitting perhaps that a wretched woman as I 
am should offer any Arguments in my Brother's 
Behalf to y" Lordships, who are Masters of the 
whole, but what Criminal Negligence, my Lords, 
can there have been in which neither Cowardice 
nor Disaffection have had a part ? What Criminal 
Negligence can there have been since the Judges 
have thouQ-ht it incumbent on them for their own 
Conscience's sake and in Justice to the prisoner 
to recommend him to his Majesty's Mercy ? I 
must submit to your Lordships whether it be the 
meaning of the Law that every kind of Negligence 
wilfull, or not, should be punished with death, if 
so, it is not for me to make an Observation on the 
Laws, if not, and Negligence arising neither from 
Cowardice, Disaffection, or Wilfulness, ought not 
according to the Spirit and Intention of the Law 
to be deem'd Capital, why, my Lords, should my 
poor Brother suffer, when both the Sentence by 
which he is condemned and the Letter to y' 
Lordships by which he is so strongly recom- 
mended to his Majesty's Mercy fully prove that 
his Judges do not deem him deserving of the 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 121 

punishment they thought themselves obHged to 
sentence him to. 

I hope your Lordships will not think he ought 
to suffer either under a Law unexplain'd or doubt- 
ful, or under a Sentence erroneously passed, if 
the Law has been misunderstood, and my unfor- 
tunate Brother hath been condemned under the 
1 2'^ Article according to the Spirit and meaning 
of which he should not have been condemned, I 
submit to your Lordships whether his Life should 
be the Forfeit. 

If there is a Doubt on the principles and 
motives that induced the Court Martial to intreat 
the Intercession of y"" Lordships with his Majesty 
for Mercy, I submit to your Lordships, whether 
those motives should not be more fully explain'd 
before it be too late. It would be needless to 
mention the usual course of his Majesty's mercy 
to the condemned upon the application of his 
Judges ; if my unhappy Brother's case had cir- 
cumstances particularly unfavourable in it, but as 
on the contrary for the Reasons I have ventur'd 
briefly to offer, and the many others that must 
occur to your Lordships, his case appears to be 
uncommonly hard and well deserving of that 
mercy to which his Judges have so earnestly 
recommended Him, I hope I shall stand excused 
if I beseech your Lordships' immediate Inter- 
cession with his Majesty in his behalf. — I am, &c. 

Extracted from the Bedford Papers, vol. xxxiii. p. 88. 



122 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Admiral Byng's last letter to his sister, dated March 
12, 1757, is endorsed in her handwriting, thus : — 

My brother from on board the Monarque, the 
last letter from him, the 14'^ being the fatal day 
appointed for him to dye, to the Perpetual dis- 
grace of Publick Justice. 

My dear, dear Sister, — I can only with my 
last breath thank you over and over again for all 
your endeavours to serve me in my present Situa- 
tion. All has proved fruitless, but nothing want- 
ing in you that could be done. God for ever bless 
you is the sincere prayers of your most affec' 

Bro. 

J. Byng. 

Inclosed I send you a receipt for Bro. Edward's 
legacy, which you will do me the favor to accept 
of as a small Token of my affection to you. 

The succeeding document is also endorsed by Mrs 
Osborn with these words : " The original paper wrote 
by my unfortunate and injur'd Brother, Admiral Byng, 
given by him to Mr. Brough the Marshall a few minutes 
before his death, March 14, 1757." 

On Board His Majesty's Ship Monarque, 
in Portsmouth Harbour. 

A few moments will now deliver me from the 
virulent Persecution, and frustrate the farther 
malice of my Enemies — nor need I envy them 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 23 

a Life subject to the Sensations, my Injuries, and 
the Injustice done me must create. Persuaded I 
am, Justice will be done to my reputation here- 
after. The manner and cause of raising and 
keeping up the Popular Clamour and Prejudice 
aeainst me, will be seen thro' — I shall be con- 
sidered (as I now perceive my self) a Victim 
destined to divert the Indignation and resentment 
of an Injured and deluded people from the proper 
Objects — My Enemies themselves, must, even 
now, think me Innocent — Happy for me at this 
my last Moment, that I know my own Innocence, 
and am conscious that no part of my Country's 
misfortunes can be owing to me — I heartyly wish 
the shedding my Blood may contribute to the 
Happy ness and Service of my Country — but 
cannot resign my just Claim to a faithfull dis- 
charge of my Duty, according to the best of my 
Judgement, and the utmost exertion of my ability 
for His Majesty's Honour, and my Country's 
Service— I am sorry that my Endeavours were 
not attended with more Success, and that the 
Armament under my Command proved too weak 
to succeed in an Expedition of such Moment — 
Truth has prevailed over Calumny and falsehood, 
and Justice has wiped off the ignominious stain of 
my supposed want of personal Courage, or 
disaffection — My Heart acquits me of these 
Crimes — but who can be presumptuously sure of 
his own Judgement ? — If my Crime is an Error in 



124 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Judgement, or differing in oppinion from my 
Judges, and if yet, the Error in Judgement 
should be on their side — God forgive them, as I 
do, and may the Distress of their minds, and 
uneasiness of their Consciences, which in Justice 
to me they have represented, be reHeved, and 
subside, as my resentment has done — The 
Supreme Judge sees all Hearts, and Motives, and 
to Him I must submit the Justice of my Cause. 

J. Byng. 

Admiral Byng was fifty-three years old at the time of 
his death. He was buried at Southill, Beds, with this 
inscription on his monument : — 

To the perpetual disgrace of Publick Justice 

The Hon'''« John Byng, Esq-^^ 

Admiral of the Fleet 

Fell a Martyr to Political Persecution 

March 14th in the year 1757, when 

Bravery and Loyalty 

Were insufficient securities for the 

Life and Honour 

of a Naval Officer. 



There is a small print of Admiral Byng at Chicksands 
Priory, at the back of which Mrs. Osborn has inscribed 
these words : — 

The Honourable John Byng, 

Admiral of the Blue, 

4"> Son of George, Lord Viscount Torrington, 

Suffered Political Martyrdom, March 14, 1757, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 25 

Whose Memory may this Picture perpetuate, 

and at the same time, the depravity of an age 

When Publick Justice was prostituted to Private Policy, 

And Guilt found protection in the 

Blood of the Innocent. 

When approved Courage and unimpeached Loyalty 

confirmed by a forty years faithful! Service, 

Were ineffectual Securities for the 

Life and Honour 

of a British Commander against the 

Mistaken resentment of a deluded Populace 

and the 

Interested Persecution of a State Junto. 



With this expression of Mrs. Osborn's sentiments on 
her brother's unhappy fate, I bring to a close this 
terrible page of her life. 



17 6 6. 



My readers are now asked to carry their minds forward 
for a number of years, and to take up the threads of 
Mrs, Osborn's history in the year 1766. She herself has 
now arrived at the age of seventy-three, and her only 
two near relations in the world are her grandsons, Sir 
George Osborn and his brother John, to whom her letters 
are now addressed. Sir George is occupied with politics 
and his regimental duties, and "Jack" has just started 
for Naples to be attached to the Embassy there, but not 
very happy with his prospects, and complaining that his 
uncle, Lord Halifax, had not sufficiently exerted himself 
in his interest. 

Letter xlviii. 

[The " Hero of the day " is evidently Mr. Pitt. Con- 
way was Secretary of State, Charles Townshend, 
Paymaster of the Forces, Rigby, Secretary to the Duke 
of Bedford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.] 

Charles Street, Berkeley Square, 
January ly, 1766. 

My dear Jack, — Since I received your last letter 
the day before you was to embarque at Marsielles, 
I have not v^rote to you. . . . You said w^e must 
not expect to hear from you till February. I am all 

126 



POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS. 12/ 

impatience for that time, in hopes it may bring a 
good account of your arrival at Naples, and that 
you have fixd yourself to your satisfaction there. ' 

I must say you have judgd well not to come 
home. It is the most severe winter I have felt 
ever before. Every mortal terible coughs with 
oppression. 

Your brother was all day last Teusday at the 
House. The man so much adord and feared was 
the Hero of the day. No one dare speak or reply 
except his Brother, who he attackd severely — he 
defyd all Law, set it at nought, blamd the Past and 
Present, had never conected with any set that had 
not deceived him, he saw no Ministers there, only 
men who had got on the Horse of Liberty to ride 
into places, and then put their Horse in the stable. 
In short he decryd all sorts and declared his 
opinion to repeal the Stamp Act, and never to 
conect with anyone while there remaind so strong 
an influence from one man. He did not mean to 
be mistook, did not mean anyone born in England, 
but on the other side the Tweed. Conway only 
replyd that he had got on the Horse of Liberty 
for his Country's service, had been unwillingly 
drove into place, was ready to turn his horse's 
head back to the state he was before, yet 
acknowledgd he would serve with pleasure under 
him. Sure that was mean ! Charles Townshend 
had not a word to say, or indeed anyone else. 
Rigbv called for all the Intelligence from America 



128 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

to be printed, which was granted. They did not 
know the consequence (young in office indeed !). 
When they found Bedford lost the same in the 
other House, they saw their error, and are this 
day making a strong effort to get that resolution 
repealed. This is a specimen of the very dis- 
agreable and unstedy situation. You may 
communicate to Lord Hillsborough, and then burn 
it directly. ... If the Act is repeald, God alone 
knows the consequence — I tremble. 

The match quite fixd with Lady Betty (Mon- 
tagu) and Lord Hinchingbroke. Each father 
gives ;^iooo a year, your Uncle seems happy to 
dispose of her to rank and fortune. 

The Town is very full, the streets in such a 
condition coaches are overturned every day ; the 
frost so hard pickaxes cannot mend them. 

Lord George Sackville you will see is brought 
forth again, great murmering about it, none of the 
Ministers own it their Act, and Mr. Pitt excessively 
disgusted at that Measure as well as others. . . . 

My dear Jack, Adieu. . . . Beauford Ossory 

and all the young men come home, Wilks too, 

some say, and some not. 

S. O. 

Letter xlix. 
Charles Street, London, February lo, 1766. 
My dear Jack, — Matters have been in such 
confusion and uncertainties, indeed little better 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 29 

now, but next Thursday is hoped will end som- 

thing to purpose, the present Ministry, by George 

Byng's intelHgence, seem certain to carrie the 

point of repeal, the others think different, tis 

thought a fortnight more must pass before the 

present Agitations can produce change. King 

cannot speak, which is a great misfortune in his 

situation . . . honest men cannot be in hieh 

stations without the knowledge necessary to 

support themselves, . . . but of whom or what the 

next can be composed staggers the wisest among 

us . . . and what can spring forth from a time 

almost unknown is hard to guess, not a happy face 

to be seen. . . . 

Lord Halifax has received your letter, and I 

hope to have the satisfaction of hearing you are 

better, which will bring comfort to your truly 

affect. 

S. O. 

Letter l. 

February 14, iy66. 

My dear Jack, — I grieve to find you have been 
so much worse than you communicated to me. 
We have had the most severe winter with foggs 
and all the variety of Bad weather that the 
Heavens could pour down upon us. 

Tis imposible to paint to you the Horror of 

our situation, had you been happy in your wishes, 

all must now have vanishd. Tis inconceivable the 

I 



130 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Cloud on every brow, in the present aspect no one 
in their senses would wish for power. 

My dear Jack, I am concernd you sett alone 
and encourage disagreeable thoughts. I, who 
am not apt to flatter myself with vain hopes, and 
false valuations, yet think you have neither lost 
your time, or have taken any step to reproach 
yourself . . . every day more and more perplexes, 
and it must be a bold man who will undertake to 
set us right. While it rests as it is, you or any 
friend you have cannot wish you a part in such a 
dismal whole. 

Nothing doing, or can be done in both Houses, 
but the American affair, in whatever way it is 
settled will be a millstone about the neck of the 
present or any future Ministry. Great violence 
on all sides — very terryfying consequences. 

Next Sunday we putt off Black Gloves for 
Prince Frederick, King of Denmark and Dauphin 
still to be mourned for. 

Letter ll 

Charles Street, Feb. 25, 1766. 
My dear Jack, — Your Brother has run away, 
and left me to ad that the House sitts every day, 
till \ hour after ten, but last night till 2 this 
morning. I think there must be a fresh sett soon, 
for these will all be demolished. A sad, very sad 
situation indeed we are in. We have gone on 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 131 

week after week, and lately have thought every 
new day would produce new events, but I see no 
end to our distresses. When this Bill is finished, 
there must be settled plan to affaires, but God 
knows how the scail will turn, those in and those 
out equally unhappy, nor do I see any one 
prospect to be better. . . . 

Mr. Fox was certainly refused (whatever was 
thought abroad) when he made his last proposal 
here to Miss Greville. She could not brinof her- 
self to consent, and therefore he told his friend 
Crew she was the woman to make him happy. 
He followed his advice and proposed immediatly, 
was accepted, and the conclusion to be directly, 
to the amazement of the town that one so much 
in love as Fox was, should not only resign, but 
give her to another. She, however, is a lucky 
girl, and the Envy of all the young Women in 
town. 

Lord and Lady Torrington come to Whitehall 
for the winter. She is a very agreeable, sensible 
woman, and I think will make him happy. 

I can only ad your Brother's affections to those 
of, my dear Jack, your truly affect. 

Gra. and faithfull Servant. 

In conversation at Bushey, I find my Lord has 
set his seal upon Ireland. His, I doubt, has been 
an unfortunate step that he will repent, he is, 
I find, much blamd. 



132 political and social letters of a 

Letter lii. 

14 March 1766. 

My dear Jack,— Your brother . . . has ac- 
quainted you with our poHtical wrangles. The 
Repeal has gone in the Commons, and in the 
Lords by a majority of 12. However, the 3rd 
Reading of the Bill is to be next Monday, when 
fresh arguments are to be brought, and very many 
Lords intend to protest. Your Uncle will be of 
that number. When that is over, 'tis said there will 
be some Changes. Pitt to take the lead to quiet the 
Nation, and bring good out of evil if posible. . . . 

Last Saturday Lady Betty Montagu was married 
at her father's house by Dr. Crane. The com- 
pany were the two fathers, Lady Caroline and 
Mr. Seymour, half-brother to Lord Sandwich, 
which with Mr. Melvil and myself were the 
whole. After the ceremony we had a fine Break- 
fast, and in half an hour. Lord Hinchingbrook lead 
his lady into an extreme neat genteel Post Chaise, 
with four exceedingly pretty bright bay horses, 
which gallopd all the way to Bushy. Then Lord 
Sandwich lead me into Lord Halifax's post coach, 
and followd himself, with poor Melvil hopping 
after, and Lord Halifax completed the sett. We 
followd almost in Gallop too, and were at Bushy 
in an hour and half, where young Montagu came 
from Eton to meet us. We all stayd there till 
Monday morning, when the two Lords hastend 
to their Debates, and I to rest in my own house, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 33 

after two long days heartily tyerd. We left Bride 
and Bridegroom there with Melvil, they were to 
come up tomorrow to their house in Audley 
Street, but your uncle Lumley dying this morning 
prevents that, as it will not be propper they should 
be presented till he is hurried. 

Lord Scarborough and Lord Halifax met this 
evening to open the will . . . the town says 
Lumley to Lord Scarborough, with the house in 
town, and great mortgages on both. Stansted to 
Lord Halifax, coal mines, etc., to the value of 
^100,000, great mortgages also on them. 

Mr. Crew and Miss Grevil, Duke of Beauford 
and Miss Boscawen, Lord Strathmore and Miss 
Bows, were the dancing lovers last night at 
Almacks. These three Wedinofs are to be cele- 
brated as soon as the Lawyers can finish. 

It seems Beauford was in love with Boscawen 
before he left England. Dutches Beauford crys 
night and day. She wanted a woman of fortune 
and Quality, and had Lady Betty Montagu in her 
eye, which would have been more discreet, but fate, 
I hope, designs them all happy with their mates. 

y"" truly affec. 

S. O. 

Letter lhi. 

Charles Street, 15 April 1766. 
My dear Jack, — The good account you give of 
yourself both in body and spirits has had the 



134 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

same good effect on me as the fine Climate you 
are in has had on you. Your Brother would have 
wrote himself today, but that he is on Guard, 
and also nothing materiel is on the anvil at 
present. The recess of Parlia"*' during the Easter 
hollydays has kept the Town empty and quiet, 
and not a word of Politics has transpired, only 
the grave thinking men look upon them to have 
been fatally conducted. 

No one is happy as they foresee that without 
some miracle we are undone. This week the 
Parliament has mett again. Yesterday was enter- 
taining to those not concernd. Strange manage- 
ment that a materiel point was to be the business 
of the day, but no Chancellor of the Exchequer 
there, or anyone of the Ministry to support it. 
Pitt went down to be quite against the Question. 
Thomas Townshend and Onslow proposed it. 
I think it was an alteration in the Malt Tax. Pit 
said he was entirely against these measures, it 
struck at the Prorogative of the Crown, and totally 
disliked the whole, so much that they knockd 
under and said it was not a Measure of Govern- 
ment but a Measure entirely of their own, which 
brought a laugh on them and on the Ministry too 
to find no head there, and the business to be 
carried on at the caprice of anyone who chose to 
start up and propose their own schemes. George 
Grenville was there, but said not a word, left it 
to battle it among themselves, and all the sensible 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 35 

people laughing in their sieves at such a materiel 
affair under such management. 

Wednesday next a Bugett is to be open, after 
that more may be said. 

The young part of the town thinks of nothing 
but Wedings. Duke Beaufort to Miss Boscawen, 
the Admiral's daughter. His mother so angry at 
the match, she would not see them till after the 
ceremony was over, and then just for them to 
receive her Blessing, and stepd into their Post 
Chaise at Badmington. 

Mr. Crew was also few days after married to 
Miss Grevill, they say she refused Fox, — most 
monstrous are the settlements he has made upon 
her, and Lady Mary Fitzpatrick has reconciled 
herself to take her leavings, and next week is to 
marry Fox. His father gives them ;i^4000 a year 
in present, and lo at his death. A fine match 
for her, 'tis a lucky year for the Ladies without 
fortune. 

The suitable match which pleases everybody 
is Lady Dorothy Cavendish, Duke Devonshire's 
sister, to the Duke of Portland, but does not take 
place till August, 

Lord Halifax came here next day after he 
received your letter, ... he looks well, and is 
now strong on his own footing. 

We have had severall weding dinners, the first 
at Lord Guilford's, where were the 3 Earls and 
there 3 Eldest sons. L'^ Guilford, L*^ North, 



J 



6 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 



L'^ Sandwich (L*^ Hinchlngbrook not well, could 
not be there), therefore L'^ Sandwich youngest 
son, George Montagu, your Brother, and myself, 
tomorow the same company at Lady Betty 
Archers. 

I have hardly left room to ad your brother's 
affections with those, my dear Jack, 

of your most truly affec. 

Gra'"''. 

Letter liv. 

April 2% \y66. 

My dear Jack, — I begin this large sheet In 
hopes your Brother will fill it with more materiel 
subjects than my pen can afford, since even 
common Chatt deserts my House, now the charms 
of Ranelagh engages her votarys, and hurrys all 
other amusements to give that a place in their 
time. The ladies at least will have reason to 
approve the way of life they are in, since all the 
matches are in their favor. Beauty overbalances 
cash, and all future considerations. Miss Bis- 
shopp is the next, to a Mr. Dummer, a great 
Estate and fine seat in Hampshire. . . . 

An ugly report creeps about that Mr. Hervey 
and another English gentleman are lost by their 
curiosity leading them to Mont Vesuvius just as 
the Eruption broke out, if so, you know it, there- 
fore no more on that subject. 

Tis said the House will be up at Whitsuntide. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 37 

Pitt is quite a Harlequin, one day appears in one 
shape, the next quite contrary, roasts all sides, 
says there is not an honest man to councel with, 
therefore will stand alone. The mongrel curs of 
the present times, shrink and creep, and fall down 
at his footstool, watch his nod, and would shew 
implicit obedience to his will, but he does as all 
great minds should do, — dispise sycophants. 

The Division grown stronger, but what will 
come of it none can tell. Your cousin George 
Byng is so angry they will not go through thick 
and thin with one another that he almost resolves 
never <^q- come in Parliament again. ... I see 
nothing yet but doubt and dispair, when the sun 
will shine again I know not, the Learned say there 
is a spot on the sun biger than this world, which 
perhaps is the reason of so many clouded under- 
standings. This and the large Comet employ the 
curious at Flamsteds, Greenwich Park. Your 
friend Lord Forbes when he left you at Brussels, 
went to one of the French provinces to learn the 
language, which he did to such perfection that he 
spent ^8000 when he came to Paris, and there 
fell in love with Lady Georgina Berkeley. He 
is now in England in your Brothers Regiment, 
and she came over lately, and they renewd their 
former conversations, . . . and she is now Lady 
Forbes. His father so angry at this destructive 
match and his Paris extravagance, he vows to set 
him aside and give his Estate to his grandson. 



138 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Your brother Is now busie with field days, but 
has charged me with his best affections to you, 
you are always sure those of yours sincerely, 

S. O. 

I believe few post days for 50 years past have 
escaped from my hand in the Post Office, so that 
I imagine it so well known there I can never 
disguise. 

Letter lv. 

13 May 1766. 

My dear Jack, — I am extremely disappointed 
that no letter from you is come . . . the very 
great distance between us Is an unpleasant circum- 
stance, but I will not inlarge on that subject, only 
hope it will establish your Health. TIs as endless 
as uncertain to send you accounts of the situation 
of the present times, which varies every day. 
The Parliament setts till ten or twelve most 
nights. The mountain only produces a mouse, 
for all seems at a stand, nothing done, nothing 
pleasing to anyone. 

Duke Grafton has certainly given warning, but 
is desired to remain till they can provide them- 
selves with one to supply his place. I am weary 
and so Is everybody at these uncertainties. 
Every creature is going out of town, more parti- 
cularly all the men of business. It seems as if 
everything was left to be governd by Chance and 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 39 

haphazard, and yet Parliam' will not be up till 
June. 

Torrlngton gone to find an agreeable hunting 
seat in Lincolnshire. Halifax settling his own 
affaires, has full employment in doing that. I 
hope he will retrieve his losses, and satisfy all 
concernd in them, and be a free man before he 
retakes those of a higher nature, for certainly 
sooner or later he will have office again. 

I dont intend stiring out of town, but wait and 
watch for the pleasure of hearing from you, 

being most affectionately yours — 

Letter lvi. 

[The Lally here alluded to was a French officer, 
Governor of Pondicherry, which he surrendered to the 
English, and was beheaded in France 1766. The 
circumstances of the case had some similarity with those 
of Admiral Byng's conviction.] 

Charles Street, May 30, 1766. 
My dear Jack, — This being my turn, I take it 
to say that however your mind is discomposed 
with your present situation, your Brother and 
I bear an equal share with you, but we all three 
must make use of the senses and reason God has 
given us, and not sink under the unavoidable 
state of our present circumstances. While I live, 
which in all human probability cannot be long, 
you shall be supported, so make yourself easy. 



140 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Duke Grafton is gone out without being able 
to serve his father-in-law, though greatly desirous 
to do it. Duke of Richmond is come in, more 
unfit than any, so that things grow worse and 
worse. Lord North has refused one of the Vice 
Treasureships of Ireland, and none that have a 
grain of Understanding will take any concerns 
upon them, no, not the Ministers abroad. The 
other day Torrington asked a principal, Who was 
to go to such a Court ? He answered. You, if 
you please, for we dont find those we wish for 
will accept. In short, I must give you this com- 
fort that tis a much greater disgrace to be in than 
out. The Parliament not yet up. They get 
together forty members, and pass what Bills they 
please, no one knows or cares, even the members 
who are in town dont care to attend, such a time 
I never remember. 

No account has yet come of Lord Charles 
Montagu and his fine wife being landed at his 
Government of North Carolina. While they livd 
in St. James' Palace before they went, they livd 
well, had their dinner and wine from Thatched 
House, the bill for four months was ;i^i200. 

You give us no account of Mont Vesuvius, 
tho' this Erruption is often seen at Naples, . . . 
pray give us news of this extraordinary matter. 

Dont laugh when I tell you there has been one 
of our men of war sent from a part in the East 
Indies in search of an Island which they had the 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I4I 

fortune to find, and landed some of the crew to 
discover the sort of people upon it. They found 
them a strong robust people 8 f and half high. 
A girl of thirteen was 7 feet, and others in 
proportion. They w^ere cloathed with skins of 
Beasts, invited our people to go farther up the 
Country, but they were satisfied with the dis- 
covery, and returned. Part of this was in our 
newspapers. I concluded it a Guliver Island, 
and that it was a Joke, but at Admiral Osborns 
last night they confirmed the truth, and therefore 
I conclude it is so. 

Lallys fate is compared to my poor brother's, 
two innocent men sacrificed to Ministers purposes. 
In an article from France, I see the comparison, 
and before that from private conversation. 

Your Brothers sincere affections are ever joynd 
with mine to you. 

Letter lvh. 

July 1st, 1 2 66. 

My dear Jack, — I set down to write to you 
with a mind as gloomy as the weather, which has 
been continualy weeping for ten weeks past. The 
thundering and lightening we have lately had has 
made me hope it would clear the clouds, and let 
us once more see the sun, however these hopes are 
vain, and weeping still continues, to the sorrow of 
those who have large crops of Hay all spoiling. 

I must begin with the maloncholy tale of your 



142 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Aunt Jekyll's death. ... I cannot think what 
can become of her daughter, poor girl, to whom 
she is an irreparable loss, to poor Miss Roberts, 
her companion also, though she livd like a toad 
under a Harrow. Lord Halifax was then at 
Horton, . . . but he went and stayd with her till 
she dyed . . . you must mourn 3 week, black 
sword and buckels, 3 weeks coloured ones with 
your mourning coat . . . her violent temper was 
a misfortune, but who is without fault ? Your 
brother is with Lord Halifax at Horton, returns 
next week to Chicksands. . . . 

My dear Jack, what is it posible for us to do 
for you, when you consider the impropriety of a 
man in opposition asking a favor ... if you 
were here opertunitys might offer and you would 
be known to people who could serve you, they 
will not take a man in the clouds they know 
nothing off. Everyone knows, and the King too, 
why you quitted Brussels . . . when you can be 
served you certainly will, but while you are absent 
believe me, nothing can be done for you. 

Lord Halifax can do nothing. Lord North 
refuses all offers made him, none of the Outs 
think they can with honour accept, much less ask 
for any favors. So many things are vacant, and 
no acceptors : Treasury, Navy vacant, Vice- 
treasureship of Ireland, with several other things 
that is amazing goes begging. 

I am your truly affect. 



lady of the eighteenth century. 1 43 

Letter lvhi. 

July 4, 1766. 

My dear Jack, — Though I wrote a long letter 
last Tuesday, I set down to a fresh sheet of paper 
today. There is no one appointed to VIena yet — 
no scheme subsists twenty-four hours. ... I don't 
wonder you have no notion of these things, because 
it is entirely new. I have before told you of great 
offers to those who I hope will serve you, but he will 
not accept, sees it is with a halter round his neck. 

His nephew North they would buy at any rate, 
but he will not be an apostate. How long this 
confused state of affairs may last no one can tell. 
Providence has often brought us from the brink of 
ruin, I therefore trust we shall still be saved. 

Let me intreat you to turn your thoughts home 
. . . you can live in credit like a gentleman on 
£Z'^o or ^340 a year. ... By the time this 
reaches you, you will be 23, not an age to be very 
miserable, though Fortune has been a Gilt. 

y'' truly affect. 

S. O. 

Letter lix. 

[The person mentioned by Sarah whose picture is at 
Chicksands, is certainly Oliver Cromwell. There is a 
portrait of him by Lely there.] 

Fry day, i2, July 1766. 
My dear Jack, — The very next post after I 
wrote, I could have told you the bustle was 



144 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

beginning, and things come in earnest to a crisis. 
The wheels so clogd, Government was at a stop 
and pulled up dead short. The King sent for 
Pit, and Pit is come, and most certain has a carte 
blanche, on no other terms would he undertake, 
so he gets himself master of the position. Was 
heated with his journey, but saw the King next 
day, which was this day was senight. All is con- 
jecture, the only certain thing is that Pitt comes 
in, but in what place is not yet settled, only that 
he will carve for himself, and make up a Ministry 
of those who will be guided by him. . . . 

Mr. Pit and Lord Temple have mett, but so 
far from agreeing, they were very warm, and Mr. 
Pitt so ruffled by it that he has forbid anyone to 
come to him on business for two days, for his 
fever is much encreasd. How will he bear the 
ruffles of the whole kingdom on his shoulders .-* 
. . . But I own I am glad he is to be Prime 
Minister, twill quiet the nation and cool the 
minds of all dissatisfied, as well as strike terror 
abroad, where I doubt in our present situation we 
must be dispised. Tis said the Citty intend to 
go in a body to thank the King the day after Pitt 
is appointed. Are you not stagard to find Prince 
F'erdinand has resignd all his employments to 
King of Prussia, and tis affirmd has accepted of 
all Marshall Saxe's appointments in France ? I 
dare not trust on paper what is said on that 
event here. In short, we talk much of the times 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 45 

when the person governd whose picture is 
over one of the doors of the blue room at 
Chicksands. 

Your uncle (L"^ Hal.) just stepd in here, said 
... he will asist you all in his power, in any 
thing but a direct request to the Ministry. . . . 

I must now tell you a little chat. . . . Lady 
Montrath is dead, has left Lord John Cavendish 
^40,000, never saw him but once in her life, only 
because he was a Patriot, and some more Patriot 
legacies to people she did not know. She was a 
Bradford, and maddish, and so she has lived and 
dyed, her son is the same, therefore all her riches 
of no value. 

Pit has the reversion of Lady Grandisons 
^9000 a year, if young Villiers her son dyes 
under age. He is inclynd to be wild, and has 
not had the small pox, and Pit is lucky. There- 
fore everyone concludes the Boy is to dye. Lord 
W" Campbell was appointed to the Government 
of Nova Scotia in the room of your cousin, 
Colonel Wilmot. 

Adieu, my dear Jack, 

believe me affectionately yours. 

Letter lx. 

August 1st, lyGG. 
My dear Jack, — I must acquaint you last 

Wednesday kissd hands : 

K 



146 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Pitt now Earl of Chatham — Lord Privy Seal. 

Lord Northington — Lord President. 

Lord Campden — Lord Chancellor. 

Lord Shelburn — S. of State. 

Conway remains the other. 

Duke of Grafton — ist L*^ of the 
Treasury. 

Charles Townshend — Chancell'' of the 
Excheq'. 

Mr. Stanly — Ambassador to Russia. 

Mr. Campbell — A Lord of Treasury. 
The above are certain — Dowdeswell is to be 
provided for, some say Speaker, some say Joint 
Paymaster with James Grenville. . . . L*^ Dart- 
mouth has resignd, is Lord of Trade, Duke of 
Newcastle has refused a pention of ^4000 a year. 
People are not pleased. Pit will loose popularity 
by loosing his name. Sir James Porter went to 
Lord Chatham, Duke of Grafton, to make his 
ceremonial visits to them, none at home . . . 

believe me ever affectionately yours. 

Letter lxl 

12 August 1766. 
My dear Jack, — I am much distressd what to 
say in this letter, since tho a change is accom- 
plished, we are no better, no longer Pitt but Earl 
of Chatham, this was the fall of the popular 
Poultney when Earl of Bath. All the joy and 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 47 

expectations of our great Patriots and indeed the 
whole nation, seems quite damp, for he has not 
taken the leading place, is only Privy Seal, and 
now out of the House of Commons, where all 
the Business must lye. However he has made 
Charles Townshend Chancellor Excheq', who is 
to lead, and who has undoubted abillities, but 
there you must stop. It is understood that 
Chatham is to guide the whole, and be abso- 
lutely supream. The manner as well as the fact of 
discarding those turnd out of the late Ministry 
has disoblidged them, Rockingham extremely so. 
Our old friends go by the title of Bedford faction. 
Pitt and Temple quite at variance, pamphlets, 
epigrams, odes, and more witt flying about than 
for some years past. . . , Letters are wrote that 
the King wants men of abillities, and those who 
are possessed of them are expected to serve him in 
the capacities they are most able for. L*^ Granby 
Commander in Chief of the Army. Stanly goes 
to Russia, P211is to Spain, he was very far from a 
friend to your Uncle. 

Your brother came to London to mount guard 
on Sunday. I am sure his fortune cannot support 
opposition to Ongley, but he acts by Lord 
Halifax's advice. . . . Many talk of resigning, 
many they want to do so, but won't it is recond, I 
know not if true. Quite a Bureau affair. Can it 
be possible such oyl and vinegar could incor- 
porate .'* Tis said and by Pamphlets provd, Bute 



148 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

and Pitt are so. Some think this cannot hold. 
Poor England, what will become of her ? 



Letter lxii. 

15 August iy66. 

My dear Jack, — Except you was on the spot, 
you can form no idea of our fluctuating situation, 
the like I believe, is without example since the 
time of Charles I. Mr. Pitt, who was the idol, 
and by whose influence so many favoured schemes 
were applauded last winter, by only his name to 
give them sanction, is now tore to pieces by all 
sides, that name is sunk, and they are violent 
against L*^ Chatham, his friends aghast, his foes 
triumphant. You never answer, if our news- 
papers and Pamphlets are ever seen at Naples. 

Things are far from settled yet. Duke Grafton 
I St L*^ Treasurer. Shelburn and Conway Secre- 
taries of State— since these are fixd there are 
resignations and dismissions every day. John 
York and Charles Saunders resignd Admiralty 
last week, and this week L'^ Egmont, so there 
hardly a Board for bussiness. . . . All this 
instability is very unfortunate for Government. 
I can only add that if Mr. Pitt can surmount the 
prejudices taken against Lord Chatham, and be 
steady in his guidance, which is absolutely fixd in 
himself alone, and be more than human by blunt- 
ing all his feelings to this Clamor against him, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 49 

things may by his perseverance stand on former 
ground, — but if not, things will grow too power- 
full for any guidance, and throw us into I know 
not what, nor dare I think of a name for it. I am 
in hopes he will lay aside prejudice of party feuds, 
by taking in those of the best abillitys on all 
sides. . . . All people displeasd, don't trust the 
Cabinet. . . . August 19. — We are a strange 
disconcerted people — no one cares to accept 
Admiralty. 

Letter lxhi. 

Charles Street, Fry day, September 5, 1766. 

I here inclose the Ode you desired me, by Mrs. 
Greville, but I hope you won't implore Oberon, 
for Pope says the Passions are the Elements of 
Life, without them the blood would stagnate. 
Sherbet is the beverage of mortals, and to omit 
anyone of the ingredients would render it insipid 
and tasteless. Sir George Pocock is varstly 
unhinged at his wife's illness, he sees and knows 
her danger, but must keep up spirits with her. 
What avails all the treasures of the East and 
West Indies pourd into their laps, it will bring no 
happyness. . . . 

Everything in this country without stabillity, 
no one at present so happy in it as Lord Bristol 
and Hervey. If I have any judgment, next 
winter will be a crisis. I saw Lord Stormont 



150 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

yesterday, he goes to Viena next month. The 
clamours are as much against Pitt as they were in 
regard to Predecessors, and yet I hope he will 
hold it. Fifteen Admirals was disoblidged. at 
Saunders being put at the head of the Admiralty, 
tis thought can only mean a step for Keppel to 
rise into that seat, in short disobligations are 
numerous, and consequently clamours. L'^ Bristol 
is appointed to Ireland, and is to reside there 
constantly. The King desired to appoint the 
Secretary, whom he told him was his brother 
Augustus — ^3000 a year. 

Lord Hertford is Master of the Horse. Duke 
of Rutland satisfyed with Lord Granby being 
Commander in Chief,— tis in vain to send you a 
red book, unless one was printed every month. 

I am in hopes you will come back with Sir 
George Pocock, but this is man's appointment, 
God may disappoint the whole. 

Letter lxiv. 

London, 17 September 1766. 
My dear Jack, — Everything continues amaz- 
ingly uncertain, I dont think Townshend or North 
will continue. God knows when our cards will be 
trumps again, . . . they talk of the Bedford partie 
coming in. Lord Weymouth Cofferer insted of 
Lord Scarborough. Parliament certainly is to 
meet beginning of November, the Proclamation 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I5I 

is already out for its doing so. Sir George 
Pocock thinks himself ill-used, . . . before he set 
out for Naples, he kissd hands on leave, and then 
had an Audience, and expressd his Resentment 
at having had no reward for 45 years services, 
had been promised a Peerage, and even that 
forgot. . . . 

Sir Thomas Alston intends to declare for our 
County, and as he is very flighty, imposible he 
can make anything of it, yet I think it will put 
your Brother in a cleft stick. Lord Barrymore 
next month when he is of age to marry Lady 
Amelia Stanhope, Lord Harrington's 3''^ daughter. 
Lord Mont Steward not yet marryd to Miss 
Windsor. 6 October Admiral Keppel is to con- 
voy our Princess Caroline, the Queen of Denmark, 
to the Haofue, from thence she is to have a 
miserable journey through Westphalia and cross 
the sea to Denmark. 



Letter lxv. 

Teusday, 23 Sept^ \y66. 
My dear Jack, — Believe me you cannot judge 
of affaires at the distance you are from us, . . . it 
has really given me infinite disquiet to find you 
fix your mind from Castles in the air, . . . was 
you here, you would see things in a different 
light, the Systym of Government, families and 
connections are all moved by new springs . . 



152 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

if you knew the squables and dificultys they had 
to strugle with in the times that you think so 
hardly on, when they felt the ground they stood 
on was a bog, you would not judge as you do. 

I have enquired how to get the Protest. I find 
a Peer may ask a copy, but as none are in town 
that I know, it will not be posible yet a while. 
There is a rumour as if some sort of Coalition 
would take place before the Parliament meet in 
November, they talk of Lord Gower, Rigby and 
Lord Weymouth, who are all the Bedford friends. 
This will be a curious winter, for though I am 
JT,, I have never seen anything like it. 

Lord and Lady Hinchingbrook dind with me 
yesterday. All your relations are married, and 
will have children and grandchildren before you 
come home. I shall wish to live till May, that I 
may once more see you, being, my dear Jack, 
most affectionately yours. 

Letter lxvi. 

London, Oct. 7, 1766. 

My dear Jack, — Being Charge D'Affaires is 
the most desirable thing in your situation, and 
will give you credit and reputation to have been 
so at two Courts. 

I fear I have seemd to write a little cross in 
my two or three last letters ; if I did so it was 
occasioned by your writing your intermediate 
thoughts. . . . 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 53 

Several are drawing off, profess they will link 
to no party. The Borough of Oxford Is given to 
Lord Hertford for his services In London. This 
Is an unprecedented note above a pentlon, for It 
is for ever. Lord Northumberland Is made a 
Duke. No happy faces anywhere. It used to be, 
those out pout, and those in grin, but out or In all 
is pout, ... we must be the redlcule of all foreign 
Courts. 

Our Princess Matilda was married by Proxie 
last Wednesday, and Thursday morning set out 
for Harwich and so In the Yatch to Hollond, and 
so to her King at Copenhagen. The Queen Is 
happy with her Princess Royal. Prince Henry 
is created Duke of Cumberland. 

Lord Halifax to shoot, and enjoy the sweets 
of the life of a country gentleman. Since I 
wrote my other sheet, I must Inform you Sir 
James Gray is appointed for Spain, and Lord 
Cardross, Lord Buchan's eldest son, is appointed 
Secretary to the Embassie, therefore all that 
view is lost. 

Your truly affectionate Gra. 

Letter lxvii. 

14 October iy66. 

My dear Jack, — Had you been here poslbly 
we might have got you to Paris a Volunteer with 
Lord Rochford. . . . Lord Grantham has given 



154 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

up the Post Office, they talk of Rigby for It. 
I suppose that is to sooth the Bedford party. 
Marquis's in number to be made. Lord Chatham 
Is now our whole Governor, I wish he may work 
mericles, but all this placing and displacing shews, 
I think, a timidity. There is no partle, every- 
thing is blended together, no connections, for they 
tye and untye every day as convenience and advan- 
tage offer. Honor and faith and friendship may 
be scratchd out of the Dictionary, for they are all 
words without meanings, In short, my dear Jack, 
I will not think, for tis In vain. Everything here 
Is persueing a shadow, all is delusion. I hope, 
however, that I shall keep an old fashion heart, 
and remain most truly your affectionate. 

Letter lxviii. 

28 October 1766. 
My dear Jack, — I sent your last letter to your 
brother at Chicksands, but he Is rambling about 
to Newnham and Greatworth, and Lord Halifax 
is rambling too. There can be no expectation of 
anything this winter by his interest. Petitions, 
peerages, places are lavishly given, all to prevent 
the Rockingham and Bedford joyning, they will 
be powerfull Indeed if it cannot be prevented, and 
the present conductors must be overturned. Be 
carefull and cautious of the Hollonds and Foxes, 
and dont let a word transpire to them of what 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 55 

your letters say. Caution Hamilton also. Duke 
of Buccleughs brother Is dead of a fever at Paris, 
greatly lamented, they say much superior to his 
brother. You knew him. 

This day fortnight Parliament is to meet. 

No mortal yet come to town. 

Nov'' 4'\ , . . Your Sir James Porter has had 
all his family inoculated, and all is well and over. 
Mr. Villiers, L^. Grandlson's son, was inoculated 
from the subject taken from them, but not yet 
come out. . . . 

The month of May will I hope, turn all things 
to suit the pleasures that spring should produce. 
One year goeth and another cometh, with every 
change to hurt, not only individuals, but the 
whole. 

We have a very uncomfortable prospect, the 
poor murmuring and rising in all parts, provisions 
at so exorbitant a rate, they must starve except 
the Parliament can find means to prevent Fore- 
stallers who monopolize all things that ought to 
have been in common to the people. Your 
Brother has only had power to make his tenants 
cry, but not to make them sell their grain at a 
reasonable price. They keep their barns full, in 
hopes by the scarcity to sell it at an immoderate 
rate, and indeed they deserve it. The Mob, or 
by what other name they will be calld, will level 
all to the ground, and there will be neither Barns 
or grain left — they have been very desperate 



156 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

in many countrys, and have reason, tho these 
riotous proceedings must be suppressd if posible. 
Liberty is gone to too great a length. Adieu. 

Letter lxix. 

5 December 1766. 

My dear Jack, — We have moved every spring 
we could for you. ... I got a proper friend to 
recommend you to our great Commander in the 
shape of Admiral Byng's nephew. . . . Lord 
Ossory is chiefly where hunting and horses can 
be his devertion, does not seem to care to be a 
Senator yet. I fancy his turn is not very agree- 
able to his uncle. . . . Our two new brides, 
Dutches Portland and Lady Montstewart, have 
exceeding brilliant equipages, the whole conversa- 
tion is at present on that subject. They were 
both presented at Court last week. White 
Coaches, or rather a petit Oris colour, silk reines 
and topings cut a most glaring and spreaded 
appearance. The ladies may look happy, but I 
see no man that looks so. 

Tis feard General Stenwix and his family are 
lost coming from Ireland a month since, and have 
not been heard of. 

Wether Prerogative, Liberty, or Aristocracy is 
to be the thing this winter who can tell. Some 
shape surely must be found. If I had no children, 
I should not care a fig, but as it is otherways I 
am not so easy. 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 57 

No time or reign has ever produced events like 
the present. Surely some malignant star influences 
our conduct. All is Helter Schelter, sense and 
reason is fled to other climes. Keppel not only 
resignd Admiralty, but Bedchamber, ... on this 
break the Bedfords were sought. The Duke said 
he would come up and negotiate himself, would 
not transact through seconds, but before he 
arrived. Sir Edward Hawk, Sir Percy Bret and 
Jenkinson were appointed to the Admiralty. He 
thought this so great a slight, he broke all off, 
and returnd to Woburn, and will I conclude be 
bitterer than ever. Delawar Master Horse — 
everyone gapeing for this extraordinary place. 
Tell Sir George Pocock of all these outs and ins, 
but be cautious, no one knows Who is Who. 
This day to be a great one (5 Dec"^) in the 
House of Commons. Your Brother will write 
next post. Tis in regard to the dispensing power, 
an exact pararel to the General Warrants, only 
they change sides. . . . 

Believe me, dear Jack, in all your situations, I 
shall be most faithfully yours. 

Letter lxx. 

Charles Street, Berkeley Square, 
January 2nd, 176J. 

My dear Jack, — My best wishes have, I 
hope, reached you in time for the New Year, 



158 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

and I repeat them again. Severall mournings 
also present themselves to you, not only your 
Aunt Margaret Osborn, but poor Lady Guilford ; 
you must mourn for six weeks. Commissioner 
Osborn also is in grief for his only son George, 
he was a puny boy, and not like to have spirit 
for this world, but a Parent feells the affliction, 
and cannot alleviate by such reflections. When- 
ever you return you will find Death has made a 
sweep among your family and friends. The 
Commissioner and Admiral are very tottering, 
and seem almost ready to obey his call. I say 
nothing of one more near. 

Lady Guilford has disappointed many expecta- 
tions by making her will entirely in Lord Guil- 
ford's favour. Lord Bolingbroke choosing to 
spend all at Arthur's and Newmarket was no 
essential loss to him, since all would have gone 
there, and being parted from his wife, no prospect 
of his children proving better than their parents. 
. . . The Estate was recond ^^4000 a year, 
this is lucky for Lord North. ... Lord 
Cornwallis is made Justice in Eyre, ^2000 a year. 
He is with his Reg', at Minorca, the last letter 
from him said he intended to spend Carnival in 
Italie, and not come home till spring, but this 
employ is given to him unsolicited. . . . Every 
step of these times are astonishing, seems as if 
caprice had a share ... at present hope is all we 
live on. Adieu. 



lady of the eighteenth century. 1 59 

Letter lxxi. 

Charles Street, ij^ January 1676. 

My dear Jack, — It is an uncommon expres- 
sion of affection to say I rejoyce at your being at 
Naples, for England this winter is Moscovy, so 
severe a climate has not been here since the year 
1740. Intense cold and snow so deep no com- 
munication of roads, that even the post is day 
beyond the usal time, and the streets in London 
almost impassable. What must poor wretches 
suffer who can have neither Victuals, Cloaths, or 
Work to procure them any, when even those who 
enjoy the blessing of comforts, so hardly endure 
it. 

The turn of times here is too unaccountable to 
be credited ... at present both England and 
Ireland are under Chatham's thumb, a secret 
spring may guide the motions, but the ways are 
unsearchable, and past finding out. 

Lord Bristol says publickly he shall not move 
in Ireland but under the direction of Lord 
Chatham, 

Lord Barrymore's day was fixd for Lady 
Amelia Stanhope, the dinner prepard at Lord 
Harrington's, the Bride dressd, when behold the 
messenger with letter acquainted him Lord Barry- 
more was taken ill, and his Physician advised him 
to put off the Weding, he has been ill ever since, 
some believe it, others don't, and think he repents. 



l60 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Your Uncle Lord Halifax is in grief, has lost 
his only son George. 

My dear Jack, may health and prosperity 

attend you. 

your truly affect. 



Letter lxxii. 

Teusday, February lo, 1767. 

My dear Jack, — It is just a month since I 
wrote to you, when I was taken ill in the midle 
of writing that letter, however I finished it in my 
bed before the post went out. From that time I 
had Sir Clifton Wintringham seventeen days twice 
a day. I have still relapses, but while Bleeding 
relieves, here I shall be. At 73 how long, God 
alone knows. Your brother was sent for and 
came all night in that dreadful! snow. ... I am 
perfectly resignd to the Will of Heaven, for I 
consider myself of no use to either of you. . . . 

Feb. 20. — I hear Miss Bows is married this day 
to Lord Strathmore. The two brides who make 
the principal conversation at present are Mr. 
George Pitt's daughter, bred in convent at Sens, 
from which Mr. Legonier fetchd her. At present 
her dress is the wonder of the town, her head a 
yard high, and filld or rather coverd with feathers 
to an enormous size, fitter for a Masquerade than 
a drawingroom. The other is Lady Guidon, who 
was Miss Wilmot, her headdress is as high, but 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. l6l 

is built Up like a rock with diamonds, and indeed 
she is so much coverd with jewels, that they 
compare her to a lark wrapped up in crumbs. 
Lord Chatham is again detaind at Marlborow, 
the whole machin of government therefore stands 
still. Parliament meets on pretence of business, 
but postpones it to a future day. 

Your brother desires me to say he will write as 
soon as our great Director comes to put the 
wheels in motion. At present there is no spirit 
but what newspapers spit forth, for things are 
grown too serious to bear a joke. I may totter 
on for some time, tho alterd in person yet never 
can in my affection for you, while I crawl on this 
earth and am able to tell you so. Adieu. 

Letter lxxiii. 

London, March 6, 1767. 
My dear Jack, — I can now assure you I am 
better, though I must not expect a return of 
strength at my time of day that cannot be re- 
cruited. Lord Halifax, his son and daughter 
dined here last Saterday, but I was not able to go 
down to dinner. The Ministry lost the question 
by 1 8 last fryday, and they did not endeavour to 
battle it or devide the House on the report next 
day. Most people are pleasd that 3d Land Tax 
is gained by the Opposition. Lord North from 
being in office must use his brightest talents, 



162 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

but was left in the lurch by Lord Charles 
Townshend, whom he was to support, and who 
soon gave up the point himself. Shelburn was 
dispatchd next morning to Marlborough, where 
our principal and indeed sole guide has been laid 
up with the gout at an inn, twas said so bad, he 
could neither return or come forward, but Shel- 
burne's intelligence of defeat electrified him, and 
into his coach he got imediatly, away to London, 
and to the King, and tis now said a defeat is of 
no consequence, and that tis all right. New ways 
of thinking transpire every day. 

Duke of Buccleugh is very soon to marry Lady 
Betty Montagu's daughter. Lady Dalkeith, his 
mother, so happy with the match she could not 
sleep for three nights after it was settled. Last 
Saturday Hariot Bladen was married to Lord 
Essex. Poor Lady Amelia Stanhope must see 
many more matches concluded before her own, 
for Lord Barrymore is oblidged to submit to a 
salivation, which he is now in, before he can be 
a bridegroom. Almacks, Soho, Concerts, Bur- 
lettas and Operas engages all the idle people every 
night, which makes such invalids as myself much 
alone. Parties at cards and assemblies take all 
their turn, so that the hours and days are much 
too short for all that must be done, and we are 
now in the hight of our diversions. 

My dear Jack, I am yours with very tender 
affection. Adieu. 



lady of the eighteenth century. 1 63 

Letter lxxiv. 

March 17, 1767, London. 

My dear Jack, — By this time I conclude it 
is time to find you at Rome. . . . There is 
nothing here but confusion, every department a 
rope of sand. I believe History does not afford 
the like, every partie, every connection broke to 
peices. Sir James Grey not gone yet. He 
laboured much against any Secretary to the 
Embassy being appointed, said they were of no 
use and that it would be a great saving to 
Government to strike off that expence, they have 
not reguarded his Occonomy, and today I hear a 
younger brother of Lord Walpole's is to be ap- 
pointed . . . here is almost Lady Day and nothing 
done, all the Chiefs have their several convenient 
maladies, one or two the gout, that by one im- 
pediment or other all bussiness is posponed, no 
Budget yet opend, no plan of Supply. One day 
Charles Townshend was on the point to resign, 
he had slunk away into the Citty and could not 
be found, but no one would accept his place, 
therefore all met again, shook hands and friends, 
all this must appear to you to be children's play. 

Lord Tavistock's accident is a miserable affair. 
This day senight at the Redborn Hunt of near 50 
gentlemen, his horse in a leap came too short 
over and fell, throwd Lord Tavistock off, who 
catching at bridle, made the horse plunge, and 



164 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Struck both stomach and head, and fracturd his 
scul. He was taken up speachless, and carried 
to a farm House where he still is, his life or 
death yet uncertain. Gataker was sent imme- 
dlatly. The horse had trapand him, and there- 
fore Gataker had only to take out the splinterd 
bones and peices of scul. The chance is yet 
against him, as you may guess from the situation 
he is in, somtimes favourable accounts, at other 
dispairing ones. There is a large afflicted family, 
and indeed the whole town lamenting the unfortu- 
nate case. There are two sons, but what a blow 
to the tender passions of his parents and wife, as 
well as the Pride and ambition of his father, and 
indeed a loss to our county. 

Your brother's love attends you, with that of 
your truly affect. Gra. 



Letter lxxv. 

Teusday^ 22 March 1767. 

My dear Jack, — Tho' they began polling at 
Northampton last Thursday, yet there is not a 
probability of it being over under 4 or 5 days. 
Therefore postpone all things relating to that 
expensive and troublesome affair till the end of 
this letter, In hopes there may be a final deter- 
mination of It before I seal it. . . . We are now 
In the midst of faction and riot. Wilkes has 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 65 

daringly stepd forth with an audacious attempt to 
stand for the Citty, and tho he is an Outlaw, bids 
defiance to Government. ... I hope he has no 
chance of being chose a Citty member, tho' 
yesterday a coach with six horses was ready to 
take him off the hustings to the place of dinner, 
and when half way they took out the horses, and 
carryd his Coach themselves, strange infatuation ! 
but all this is Mob. . . . Tis said 2 millions will 
be spent in Elections, ^20 and ^30,000 comes 
out of every purse. Nabobs, Contractors, Silver- 
smiths, bankrupts, are in high luck, there will 
hardly be 200 real gentlemen in the House. The 
landed Interest dyed with the last Parliament. 
. . . Adieu, affect, yours. 



Letter lxxvi. 

Charles Street, Berkeley Square, 
Teusday, 24 March 1767. 
My dear Jack, — My last wrote to you this 
day senight to Rome had the Particuler and 
dismal account of poor Lord Tavistock's accident. 
By that you could entertain no hope of a favour- 
able one in my next, therefore not surprised when 
I tell you he languished under many severe opera- 
tions till yesterday morning, when at 4 oclock he 
dyed. The faculty never had the least hope of 
his recovery, the' gave flattering ones to the Duke 



1 66 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

of Bedford, and therefore the thunderbolt has 
almost demolished him. You know his passions 
are strong, and he is almost distracted. Poor 
Lady Tavistock who never was permitted to see 
him, tho' went to a house within a quarter of a 
mile where he lay, but the agitation of seeing her 
was not to be venturd, — she was brought to town 
yesterday neither dead nor alive, has been in fitts 
ever since, and greatly to be pittyd, for they were 
very happy. She has two boys, and in time I 
hope will take comfort in them as I have done in 
mine. My loss was a Tavistock to me, and 
therefore I feel greatly for the whole family. 

Your brother by advice of his friends has wrote 
circular letters, it was agreed by all that he stood 
pledgd to the County by his applycatlon last 
summer, and therefore his offer now could not 
be avoided, . . . there must immediatly be a 
meeting appointed, and he must then judge his 
strength. Lord Tavistock is an irreparable loss 
to our County, there will not be a proper head to 
it left when Duke Bedford dyes, this must shorten 
his days, and damp all ambitions, he is now ex- 
tremly ill. You cannot conceive how all people 
from the King to the labourers lament for Lord 
Tavistock, there never was greater grief Ossory 
is so shy in the country that no one there takes 
to him, but how far the tenderness of people's 
Hearts may move them to Indulge the Duke of 
Bedford in the person of his nephew, a little time 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 67 

will shew otherways. Alston who has great 
interest intends going down to the Meeting 
and supports y'' Brother with all his power. 
T'will appear a bold stroke for a private gentle- 
man, to bring an opposition against so powerfull a 
person, and two such powerfull purses, it sounds 
running his head against a brick wall. Pray God 
send him well out of this scrape. 

Letter lxxvh. 

London, 31 March 1767. 

My dear Jack, — I fret a little to find after next 
quarter y"" income will decrease, since I conclude 
you will think it right to resign your studentship 
by that time. . . . This has been a trying winter 
for old and young. Death has made great havock 
and caused much grief in many families, that of 
the Bedfords exceeds all the rest. 

Lady Cork has such continual histerick fitts 
that it has shewd the shocking effects on the poor 
Dungarvan who is quite an idiot. Duke of Man- 
chester must seek another country, the house in 
this square to be sold, the castle in the country to 
be let, but who is there can take it .'* He has not 
paid a tradesman since his father dyed. 

At present I am wore down, lye upon the first 
flour, not able to go up or down. We have a long 
severe winter which continues still, tho tomorrow 
is April. The chance is against me, 70 od weighs 



1 68 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

very heavy in the scail, but whenever It happens 
I shall dye in the assurance that you two Brothers 
will preserve an inviolable friendship for each other 
as long as you live. 

The Hinchinbrookes say they cannot live on 
^2000 a year rent charge, which is as good as 
^2500 Estate, they talk of retireing into the 
Country. There surely is some Influence over 
this Island, no one is happy or settled, . . . your 
brother is gone into Beds, to try his strength at 
the election. I think he has no chance, for all 
the great and principal personages are so softened 
by the Duke's affliction that they are tender of 
adding to the disturbance of his mind, and there- 
fore most like your friend Ossory will find an 
easy seat. 

I am most truly y"" affectionate. 

Letter lxxviii. 

April 1767. 

My dear Jack, — I have opened your brother's 
letter to tell you . . . that when the writ was 
read by the Sheriff at the meeting your Brother 
made his speech to say he looked upon himself 
pledgd to the County, . . . but as the gentlemen 
were inclynd to pay a tribute of regard to their 
late worthy member (Lord Tavistock) by choos- 
ing his relation, he very readily joynd with them 
in It. . . . Everybody is undone in England, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 69 

every day produces new distresses, the immense 
expence of the Hunting gentlemen makes horses 
and hounds a drug that must be sold, an infatua- 
tion runs through the whole plan of living, and 
insted of being happy, everyone has made them- 
selves miserable and must all transport themselves 
to America. Lord Chatham is they say, too ill 
for bussiness, sees no mortal except Lord Bristol, 
sends back unopened all letters from the Ministers, 
but yet holds the Helm, which is a most distress- 
ing situation for us. Charles Townshend opend 
his Budget yesterday and by a most able speach 
adjourned the House for ten days, and sent all 
parties home in good humour. There Is, how- 
ever, all materiel business left undone. India 
Company Affaires is the great object to settle, 
and in that Townshend does not draw with Lord 
Chatham, therefore he will not see him, nor either 
of the Secretarys of State, and nothing conclusive 
can pass without his sanction. For my own part 
I conclude he will fling up, and say he cannot 
guide. Bedford has surprized all the House Lords, 
for being as composed and seemingly as well as 
ever, spoke well and warm. A charming monody 
on poor Tavistock, tis said by Emely who was 
his tutor. 

Your acquaintance Lord Anglesea is the pre- 
sent town talk. He was at Lord Lyttletons last 
year, and there who made love to his daughter, 
who is of a romantick turn, therefore took all his 



I "JO POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Oditys for wit, and liked him much. The father 
did not disapprove, however a month ago he 
dansed at Almacks with Lady Frances Howard, 
and made love and proposed to her, after a thou- 
sand rediculous things imposible to relate, he went 
again to Miss Littleton, and then to Lord Carlisle 
to say he was engaged to Lytleton, but his heart 
and love was to Lady Frances, this all came 
to be too serious to persue. Lord Carlisle her 
brother challengd him, he only answered he had 
done his family too much injury to add to it and 
askd pardon. He went to Sir Richard Lyttleton 
for advice, who told him he ought to go home 
and be blooded, and never show his face more. 
Tis said he is gone abroad. 

Lord Barrymore who was the whole conversa- 
tion of last January, is married to Lady Emilia 
Stanhope, these have been two the most remark- 
able adventures of this ao^e. Duke Manchester's 
house is sold to Child the banker for ^10,000 
guineas. 

My dear Jack, Adieu, most affectionately yours. 

Letter lxxix. 

London, May 1767. 

My dear Jack, — I hope it will be agreeable to 
you to hurry home as fast as you can, not that 
there is a certainty of an immediate prospect here, 
but as the confusion thickens, a convulsion of 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I7I 

some sort must be the consequence, . . . therefore 
hast away and try to find solidity, judgment and 
sincerity in England, where you will also be sure 
to find true affection and regard. I conclude the 
intention of your tour through Italie is to survey 
the Southern Courts, that you may judge of them 
in future time, for meerly travelling must be 
attended with too much expence where there is 
no foundation for it. 

I am afraid you will find everybody sower, 
there is not a happy face, various causes for it, 
debt and politicks are chief ones. 

Lord Anglesey is married to Miss Lyttleton — 
a happy pair no doubt. 

Our Parliament both Lords and Commons sett 
late, and many long days there have been lately. 
Neither India or American Affaires more settled 
than a month past. The two Irish peers, Barry- 
mare and Anglesea, walk with their Countesses 
arm in arm at Ranelagh every night. I believe 
people are rather cautious of being forward in 
their acquaintance. 

We have still fires, and still must call it winter. 
I hope you will bring summer with you. 

Your truly affect. 

Letter lxxx. 

Charles Street, 24 July 1767. 
My dear Jack, — Your last letter from Pisa 
left me hopes that a longer time there would 



172 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

establish your health, . . . should any remains of 
your complaint be still left, our Baths at Bath 
will be as salutary as those you have left. This 
day great Thunder and Lightening, I hope it will 
clear the air, which has been very close and un- 
healthy some time past. Agues and fevers 
never known so much in London, everybody in 
some degree or other from the King, Lord 
Chatham, to the servants of every house. Lon- 
don is greatly improved since you left it that you 
will not believe it the same citty. The Pavement 
is amazing, and the lights in the Squares and 
Streets so too. If you meet with English papers, 
you must not depend on anything you read in 
them, nothing is done, but a great deal doing. 
Your truly affect. 

Letter lxxxl 

Charles Street, 8 September 1767. 
My dear Jack, — I thank you for your letter 
from Lucca. I am glad you have received benefit 
from the Baths of Pisa. . . . We have had 
an irreparable loss in the death of Mr. Charles 
Townshend, Chancellor of the Exchequer, who 
dyed last Fryday evening greatly lamented by all 
people, without dispute the most able, the most 
knowing, the most eloquent man in the Kingdom, 
was an acquisition to any Partie that had him, his 
wit got the preference of his prudence, therefore 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 73 

rather unstedy, but upon the whole he was a most 
aimable man in all the relations of life, the Pub- 
lick have a loss, but his Mother and Brother have 
a much greater never to be repaird, must be 
sensibly felt by them to their last moments. A 
putrid fever has leveled him now with other 
mortals. Lord Bute's second son Worteley, who 
is to enjoy all the Worteley riches, has married 
himself from the University at Edinburgh to a 
Miss Cunningham, the Duke of Gordon to a Miss 
Maxwell, both lucky Scotch ladies. 

Poor Doctor Gregory is going, a fever and 
dropsy, on the declyne, as is your truly affect. 

Letter lxxxh. 

[The Northampton election spoken of in this letter 
came off in 1768, and is known by the name of the 
" Spendthrift Election," Lord Spencer is said to have 
spent ;£^i 50,000 on the contest, and Lords Northampton 
and Halifax ;^ioo,ooo.] 

September 29, 1767. 

My dear Jack, — Venice is a terible place, very 
unlucky your fate led you there. That damp 
air much more prejudicial than English. . . . 
Great contests att all elections, and England must 
be for a twelvemonth to come a most disagreeable 
place. Your Uncle, Lord Halifax, was well 
attended by all his family at Northampton Races. 
L*^ Northampton and L'' Halifax mett there 



174 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

on extreme good terms, and were to settle the 
members for the General Elections. They were 
to nominate them at this meeting. L'^ North- 
ampton named his brother-in-law, Sir George 
Rodney, and Lord Halifax his nephew, Sir 
George Osborn, therefore your brother is now in 
full employ, feasting and canvassing. . . . For 
several years these two families have brought in 
by compromise each one member, so there is no 
Contest, and the expence a trifle in comparison of 
what others are, perhaps four or five thousand 
pounds. Sir Robert Barnard says he has ;!^45,ooo 
in his Bankers hands, and will spend it all in 
opposition to Hinchingbrook and Carisfort for 
Co. Huntington. Duke of Portland engages 
against Sir James Lowther. Carlisle, Cumber- 
land, and all the North are in flames by these 
potent interests clashing. Lord Edward Bentinck 
is sure to come in somewhere, golden showers 
water his cause. 

Lord Palmerston met Miss Pool at Spa. Those 
waters produce many amours, and though ten 
years older than himself, is agreeable, sensible, 
and so clever, that notwithstanding his intentions 
of marrying a fortune, and she has none, yet 
Love prevaild, and he was married to her last 
week. 

Lord and Lady North dind with me the day 
before they went out of town, as he would be a 
great man soon, I began my solicitations before 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 75 

he was so, and put in my Claim with regard to 
you. 

Sunday last Wrotesley came express with the 
death of the Duke of York, there was before that 
accounts come of his dangerous illness. Perhaps 
we don't know truth, but they call it a putrid 
fever, occasioned by his dancing in violent 
hurrys. ... I have a terible opinion of all the 
Physitians abroad, they are absolute Quacks. 
They are a pert society, and all those abroad are 
full of the condition of the English, that it is 
miserable to fall into their hands. Moliere well 
has described them, sets them forth in their true 
colours, and shews what a state of Body and mind 
they reduce their friends to. 

your affectionate. 

Letter lxxxiii. 

Charles Street, i6 October 1767. 
My dear Jack, — It was your Brother's turn to 
have wrote now, but the Opposition of Sir James 
Langham finds him full employment, and he 
oblidged to scamper away to Northampton this 
morning. This foolish affair will occasion the 
two Earls to draw their purses. ^800 to each 
already, a very vexatious circumstance, but your 
Uncle is determind to go through it at all events, 
and as they remain 600 a head of Sir James, 
there seems no doubt it must and will end well. 



176 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

All this week has been full of surprizes, the 
Sun has shone most gloriously into this room. 
. . , George Montagu is appointed Secretary to 
the Chancellor of Exchequer. Lord North has 
kissed hands for that . . . 

In reading Lord Lyttleton's Harry 2nd, a 
passage struck me of a letter from good Thobald, 
old Archbishop of Canterbury, to him, who was 
the imediate predecessor of Becket. " My flesh 
is consumd, and my soul is on the point of 
departing from my body, but it still lingers 
in hope and desire of your coming, it will not 
suffer mine eyes to close till they have had the 
satisfaction of beholding your face," but he dyed 
before King Harry returned to England, who was 
then in France. 

My dear Jack, most affectionately yours. 

Letter lxxxiv. 

London, 27 October 1767. 

My dear Jack, — The delightfull weather we 
now have makes me wish you here. . . . The 
Montreal is not yet arrived with Duke of York's 
remains, but expected every day. . . . Nov^ 
2,rd. . . . The Contest at Northampton runs 
high, and the Spenser Interest broke faith severall 
times. Sir James Langham has, however, given 
up, used Lord Spenser very ill. . . . 

Yesterday morning the Queen gave birth to a 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 7/ 

fourth son. The day was strangely devided by 
joy in the morning and grief in the evening, 
when the Duke of York's remains were brought 
from Greenwich, to the Jerusalem Chamber, and 
are to be interred in Westminster Abbey this 
evening. I conclude grief has took its seat at 
your Court, at the unexpected death of the Arch- 
Duchess Josepha. . . . Never were such 
stormy contests as now. 

yours affectionately. 

Letter lxxxv. 

London, 20 November 1767. 

My dear Jack, — I am but the shadow of the 
Grandmother you left in England, and cannot go 
out of my house, and I find such delay and 
indolence in everybody that tis very hard and 
difficult to obtain any Answer. ... I find 
the Archduchess is likely to recover the small 
pox, and conclude she will be your Queen, there- 
fore likely to be with you in the summer, for all 
preparations for the other will serve for this, the 
name only changed. 

God knows how politicks are to end, at present 
is quiet, but the Oppositions and money spent by 
Candidates for the new Parliament has been un- 
known before. Your brother and Sir George 
Rodney are oblidged to live at Northampton. . . 

Sir George Pocock looks pretty well, he was 

M 



178 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

summoned to Cockpit, Lord Torrington to Duke 
Grafton's, to hear King's speach, but neither 
could attend. Lord Bohngbroke's cause is begun, 
tis thought her Lord will not be able to procure a 
divorce. The town will be very empty this 
winter, every soul canvassing in the Country. I 
shall rejoyce when Parliament is disolvd, and 
Writs issued for the new one. Adieu. 



Letter lxxxvi. 

Nov. 25, 1767. 

My dear Jack, — Your Brother has told you 
all about Northampton, which principally fills our 
thoughts . . . there is not the least doubt but he 
will have success ... tis infinite the trouble he 
has, and must for some months have the same. 
Tis rather stubborn and obstinate in Lord Spencer 
to set up Lord Howe. . . . Parliament met on 
Teusday last, all pretty quiet. Some attempts to 
amendment of the address, but it soon subsided, 
one or two flamd away about present mismanage- 
ment, but as usual ended in nothing. The landed 
Interest is beat out, and Merchants, Nabobs, and 
those who have gathered riches from the East 
and West Indies stand the best chance of govern- 
ing this Country. 

Sums unheard off are now given for Cornish 
Burroughs. George Byng gives ^3000 for one 
he is oblidged to bring in, and ^4000 has since 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 79 

"been offerd for it by another, tho' in honour the 
Person must keep to his first purchaser. 



Letter lxxxvh. 

Charles Street, Xmas Day, 1767. 

My dear Jack, — The season, the day, and my 
inclinations all press my best wishes to be sent 
by my pen. Lord Halifax has received Mr. 
Hamilton's letter. ... I wish you had taken 
the resolution in last summer of coming amongst 
your friends. North in power, Hillsborough 
now Secretary of State to America — two from 
whom some good might be produced. . . . 

It is found necessary to take in some part gf 
the Opposition, they have judgd it best to be the 
Bedford party, the consequence is — Lord Wey- 
mouth, Sec. of State, in room of Conway. 

L*^ Hilsborough, 3^^ Sec. of State for America, 
^4000 a year. 

L*^ Gower, President of the Council. 

L*^ Sandwich, joynt Post Master, in room of 
Hilsborough. 

Rigby, joynt Treasurer of Ireland. 

Lord Charles Spencer may be one of the 
Admiralty if he pleases. 

These are the principal changes, only Lord 
Gower has kissd hands last Wednesday, the 
rest not to do so till after the Holydays. 

Duke of Bedford has undergone the operation 



l8o POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

of Baron Wesinfield of extracting the Chrlstiline 
humour from his eyes — they have been bound up 
the proper time after it, and now the bandage is 
off he, that was quite bhnd, sees perfectly well. 

Lord Spencer is determind to harass the two 
Earls at Northampton, and money without end 
will be spent. L*^ How's brother has no chance. 
. . . Lady Northampton dying has occasiond so 
great grief to her Lord that he cannot prevail 
himself to go to Castle Ashby. Lord Halifax is 
at Horton, your Brother there also, but on Lord 
Rothes death, Duke Gloucester has his regiment, 
and all were to be presented to him last Monday. 
You never mention Mont Vesuvius no more than 
if you were not there. 

My dear Jack, wishes of all health and happy- 
ness attend you from your truly affect. 

Letter lxxxviil 

Charles Street, 9 Feb. 1768. 

My dear Jack, — I freted to be oblidged to 
disappoint your expectations of a letter by last 
Fryday post. . . . Your brother hurried away to 
Northampton. I hope some time next month 
we shall be taken out of our boiling water, we 
have as yet no fear of loosing the Victory. . . , 
March i. . . . The Parliament now fixd to be 
disolvd the 10^^ of this month, . . . Lord Boling- 
brok's divorce is pass, and my Lady is to marry 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. l8l 

Beauclerk at once. . . . April 1 2. — Your brother's 
letter to you Postrestant at Turin will acquaint 
you of his success at Northampton, tis thought 
the loosing game to Lord Spencer is at least 
^50,000, but he will dip farther, and try a vexa- 
tious petition to the House. You will hardly 
credit it when I tell you Wilks is chose for 
Middlesex, and such a madness reigns, all the 
town is lighted up on the occasion. ... So 
changd is everything since you left us that you 
have no more notion of our Government, Partie, 
Conections, than if you were a native of Italy 
who had hardly ever read of this Country, . . . 
even the very ladies are changd in dress and 
behaviour, much, very much for the worse. . . , 
by my continual attacks you will find me as much 
changd as all other things. Thank God I am 
very well resignd to my approaching end, and 
have no attachment to this world, except your 
Brother and yourself. 

You must forget you come from Palaces at 
Naples, we will do our best to accomodate you 
when you return, my dear Jack. 

y"" truly affect. 

Letter lxxxix. 

Charles Street, May y^ 1768. 

My dear Jack, — Your Brother desires me to 
writes this post to say he hopes you will not suffer 



1 82 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

your Servant to bring over anything to sell here, 
he shall be oblidged to give his word for that. . . . 
The Parliament is to meet next Teusday, Lord 
Spencer enters his petition against your Brother 
then, the trouble and solicitation is not to be 
conceivd, ten times more than the Election, the 
merits of the Cause is certainly with us, but in 
the House of Commons there is no guarding 
against Power that transforms numbers and 
merits into what shape they please. We have 
most of the leading Interest with us. Ladies 
enter into this affair, and Lady Spencer obtains 
all the Belle Esprits to fight their cause as she 
thinks the men cannot resist them. . . . 

Letter xc. 

London, September 8, 1768. 

My dear Jack, — By the dreadfull accounts of 
desolation in and about London, which you will 
read in the newspapers, which are very exactly 
related, you may wish to have the truth off, I 
scrible this to acquaint you that you may depend 
on what you read in them, and therefore I need 
not repeat, only add that my kitchen and offices 
below were 3 or 4 feet deep in water. People who 
keep exact accounts of the weather say more rain 
fell that day than in the usal course falls in a 
month, all the land springs have rise to a degree 
not rememberd by anyone. I received a letter 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 83 

from your Brother today, who says y^ Wapineers 
and seamen are so riotous on the river that a 
guard has been oblidged to be kept there for the 
last ten days. Sure it is a pretty state of things 
when the lower orders contend against authority ! 
My best respects wait on Lord Halifax, with 
the affectionate good wishes of yours, 

S. O. 

Letter xci. 

[Bushey was the residence of Lord Halifax. He died 
on June 8, 177 1, when the peerage became extinct] 

April 30, 1 77 1. 

My dear Jack, — Your brother has been at 
Bushey ever since Sunday with your Uncle. He 
will not let him out of his sight. Inflammation on 
the Liver. D"" Thomas carryd down Sir Clifford 
Wintring Sunday evening, who stay'd all night. 

May 3''''. — Your brother's letter will inform you 
of the dangerous situation your Uncle has been 
in, indeed, I fear consequences from it. ... I 
do not like Jaundice, you know my fear, and calld 
me a Croaker. I am very unlucky, however, in 
my foresights. Your Uncle let your brother come 
to town for a few hours yesterday, and says he 
hopes he may be able to be removed to George 
Street next Monday if no relapse. Old age comes 
on apace with us all, and then what pain and grief 
is our life. 



184 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

Your sister has set with me all this last week, 
as not proper to be out while your Uncle so ill. 
She sent her excuse to Marlborough House, 
which she bore very well, but I painted his being 
a father, and not a common Uncle, and his publick 
character also demanded a particular decency. . . . 

Letter xcn. 

December 18, 1771. 
My dear Jack,— I conclude you have met in 
the newspapers with the extraordinary movement 
of a bog or morass at Solway beyond Durham of 
1 2 acres which lifted itself up 3 feet and fell again 
and did so several times, and several days, after 
which it floted itself off, and coverd all the field, 
even passed over a river, and covered Land on 
the other side. Sir Gilbert Eliot and others who 
are come from Scotland have seen it. None can 
account for it, only say it is the greatest Pheno- 
menon that has been known. 

April 21, 1772. 

This Town drest for the Holy days, but dismal 
in this weather. Good Fryday snowd all day, no 
comfortable sun yet. . . . 

July 25, 1772. 

Here is a strange flurry to save the National 
Bank of Scotland, by a Bank set up at Ayr, Duke 





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LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 85 

of Buccleugh, Duke Oueensberry, and a list of 
200 subscribers, . . . and they grant annuitys 
^800 for 2 lives, ... all the single ladies are 
distracted about it, and the topic of all conversa- 
tion turns on this, but prudent people fear the 
security, for the Lords and others Estates are 
most of them entaild, when they dye they cannot 
bind their heirs, and then what security ? The 
lawyers opinions are all against it, and think it a 
very great risque, therefore one knows not what 
to advise any friend to do, so great an advantage 
bespeaks a snake in the grass somewhere or 
other, and will turn out a Bank in Air. The 
Weather has been most exceedingly hot, but 
Heaven is kind in sending refreshing cooling 
Showers, and tis thought by coming in this 
moderate manner that there will be plenty of 
grain in the field, and fruits in the garden. . . . 
Only sister Byng and numbers of card-playing 
widows are in town, that often days pass with 
me without seeing any mortal. If I could read, 
write and work as I could till very lately, my 
time would not hang heavy. 

July 6, 1773. 

Lord North is now in full fatigue at Oxford, 
where he is, or will be, chose Chancellor. I think 
he has passed a disagreeable winter, the papers 
treat him with great abuse, but I fancy he stands 
very firm. There is such a want of abilities and 



1 86 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LETTERS OF A 

such dissipation in living that there is no one to 
step forth that can succeed to any employment. 
Lord Chesterfield is come, but I have not yet 
heard anything with regard to his own affaires, 
for this town is now too empty to be informed of 
any thing worth noted. I pass days without 
seeing any one worth conversing with, so that 
time passes but heavily, but what can one expect 
otherways at 80. Swift's Brobdinangs setts that 
time of life in a miserable light, and can make 
no one wish to have it prolongd. I am so far 
happy, that when the release comes, I leave none 
behind that can want me, and my stay here can 
only be a clog on those I love. 

[This last letter is written after the birth of Sarah's 
great grandson, afterwards Sir John Osborn.] 

\7 July 1773- 
My dear George, — Next to your brother and 
yourself this little sensible boy takes a deep hold 
in my heart, and my prayers are constant that he 
may be a blessing and comfort to you equal to 
that you have been to me. I am ever full of a 
thankful remembrance of God's goodness to me 
in the most essential point of life, to have been 
made happy, and very uncommon to be so two 
generations together. I trust it will extend to 
the third, in which you may be the partaker 
of the choicest blessings Heaven can bestow, 



LADY OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 8/ 

and that your son will be a worthy member of 
his family. 

Such are the last words penned by Mrs. 
O shorn. 

In Campton Church, Beds., the following 
inscription is to be seen on her monument : — 

The Honb'« Mrs. Osborn, 

Wife to John Osborn, Esq., 

And only daughter to the Admiral 

Lord Viscount Torrington. 

Born in Oct. 1693 and died in NoV 1775. 

She was a woman 

of uncommon abilities and Understanding 

Who managed the whole Bussiness 

of this Estate 

in the two Minorities 

of her Son and Grandson, 

Sir Danvers and Sir George Osborn. 



INDEX. 



Almacks, 133, 162, 170. 

Anglesea, Lord, Marriage of, 169, 

170. 
Anson, Lord, 82, 83. 
Ayr^ Bank at, 184, 185. 

Barrymore, Lord, Marriage of, 159. 

Bath, Letters from, 20, 21, 22. 

Bedford, Duke of, convenes meet- 
ing at Bedford, 38, 39 ; letter 
to Mrs. Osborn about Admiral 
Byng, 117; loses his Motion in 
the House of Lords, 128 ; comes 
to town to negotiate, 157 ; grief 
at his son's death, 166 ; speech 
in the House of Lords, 169 ; 
undergoes operation for his eyes, 
179, 180. 

Bedfordshire Election, 53. 

Bristol, Society at, 18, 19, 20. 

Byng, Sir George, created Viscount 
Torrington, 8 ; correspondence 
with Sir John Osborn, 9, 20, 21, 

38, 41- 

Byng, Hon. Robert, Governor of 
Barbadoes, 9, 51, 59. 

Byng, Admiral, 9, 12, 13, 33, 41, 
68, 82, 83 ; account of the loss of 
Minorca ; the Admiral sentenced 
to be shot ; popular clamour 
against him ; Pitt pleads his 
cause with the king ; the king's 
reply ; letter from Voltaire to the 
Admiral dated from Les Delices, 
enclosing one from Marshal 
Richlieu, who justifies his con- 
duct ; application from Mrs. 
Osborn to the Duke of Bedford 
on her brother's behalf; his 
reply ; second appeal to him 
from Mrs. Osborn, enclosing 
letter to the Lords of the 
Admiralty ; Admiral Byng's last 



letter to his sister, March 12, 
1757; document written by the 
Admiral a few minutes before his 
death ; copy of inscription on his 
monument in Southill Church, 
Beds, 1 12-125. 

Chicksands Priory, 9, 13, 15, 17 ; 
letters from, 60, 61, 62, 68, 69, 
70-72. 

Chilbolton, Letters from, 45, 46. 

Court, St. James's, description of 
dresses worn, 23. 

Court, dining at, 83. 

Cromwell, Oliver, Picture at Chick- 
sands, 43, 45. 

Danbury Place, Letters from, 26-33. 
Duel, Account of, fought in Hill 
Street, 103-105. 

Earthquakes, in Northamptonshire, 

Leicestershire, etc., 100. 
Elections, 174. 

Fox, Mr., 98, 131, 135. 

George II., King, 54, 55, 78, 84, loi. 
George III., King, 144, 150, 172. 
Gray, the poet, 22. 

Halifax (Earl oO, Lord Lieutenant 
of Ireland, 13 ; Secretary of State, 
13, 62, 100, 128, 129, 131 ; 
marriage of his daughter with 
Lord Hinchinbroke, 132, 133- 
13s. 139. .142, 145. 153. 160, 
161 ; nominates his nephew as 
member for Northampton Elec- 
tion, 174; illness of, 183. 

Housekeeping, Account of, 55-58- 

Inoculation, Introduction of, 23. 



190 



INDEX. 



Kent, Duke of, 36, 37, 42. 
Kimbolton, Visit to, 35-37. 

Lahy, Fate of, 141. 
Layer, Mr. , his trial, 26. 
Lumley, Lord, his death and will, 
133- 

Manchester, Duke of, his death and 

will, 63-65, 67. 
Marlborough, Duke of, his funeral, 

25. 
Minorca, Fall of, 112. 
Montagu, Marriage of Lady Betty, 

132, 133. 

North, Lord, 174, 176, 185. 
Northatttpton Races, 173. 
Northampton, Election at, 178, 180, 
182, 

Orange, Prince and Princess of, 54. 

Osbom, Mrs., 7, 10, II, 12, 13, 
187. 

Osbom, Sir Danvers, member for 
Co. Bedford, 11 ; raises troop in 
support of the king, 12; Gover- 
nor of New York, dies there, 12. 

Ossory, Lord, 156, 168. 

Palmerston, Lord, 174. 

Pitt, Mr., the hero of the day, 
126 ; means to repeal the Stamp 
Act, 127 ; a harlequin, 137 ; 
sent for by the king, 144 ; is 
made Lord Chatham, 146 ; Privy 
Seal, 146, 148, 154, 161, 169. 

Pope, his Essay on Man, 59. 

Pretender, Rebellion of, report of, 



*]% ; king's message to the House, 
78 ; Duke of Marlborough's reply ; 
speeches of Lord Chesterfield, 
Lord Lonsdale, Mr. Pitt ; general 
alarm in London ; preparations 
for war ; 6000 Dutch troops ex- 
pected ; panic in London ; let- 
ter found on Count St. Germain ; 
hiding the plate ; prisoners 
brought to the Tower ; Duke of 
Cumberland, 78-91. 
Pri>Kess QzxoXvsxt, 151. 

Ranelagh, 136, 171. 
Ratclif Chnxc\\, description of, 19. 
iV^/^a/ of Stamp Act, 127, 132. 
Richlieu, Marshal, 113-115. 

Sackville, Lord George, 128. 
Southill, Letters from, 33-45. 

Tavistock, Lord, his fall out hunt- 
ing, 163 ; his death, 166. 

Townshend, Mr. Charles, 127; 
Chancellor of the Exchequer, 
146, 147 ; on the point of resign- 
ing, 163 ; opens the Budget, 
169 ; death of, 172, 173. 

Vanbrugh, Sir John, 18. 
Venice, 173. 

Vesuvius, Eruption of, 136, 140. 
Voltaire, Letter from, 113, 

Wilkes, 128, 164, 165, 181. 

York, Duke of, death of, 175 ; 
funeral in Westminster Abbey, 
177. 



MOKRIbON AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH. 



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